Eagles vs. Panthers Prediction
Will the Panthers cover as a small home favorite tonight when they host the Eagles at 8:25PM ET?
THE ODDS: According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Panthers are now 3.5-point home favorites to beat the Eagles, who opened as a 3-point favorite. As for the total, the number hit the baord at 45 but has been bet up to 45.5.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: The Eagles’ offensive line suffered a big blow earlier this week when right tackle Lane Johnson was declared out for tonight’s game due to a concussion. Halapoulivaati Vaitai will make the start in Johnson’s absence. Wendell Smallwood (knee) is also questionable after not practicing since getting hurt in Week 4 versus the Chargers, but defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (calf) did practice on Thursday.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: The Panthers are relatively healthy for this time of the year. Devin Funchess (knee) returned to practice on Wednesday after resting Monday and Tuesday. Running back Jonathan Stewart (ankle) also returned to practice after getting in a limited session. Center Ryan Kalil (neck) worked on the side earlier in the week, although he’s unlikely to play after missing the last four games.
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WHO COVERS: Carson Wentz and Co. were the talk of the NFL early last season when they were winning games in September. Then Johnson was suspended and things fell apart quickly. Wentz posted dramatically different numbers when Johnson wasn’t helping to protect him and even though the second-year quarterback is developing nicely, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Wentz struggle some tonight. Carolina, meanwhile, has seemingly re-discovered its identity on offense. The Panthers’ running game isn’t back to its 2015 version, but Cam Newton is on the move more on designed runs. Over the last two weeks, Newton has looked like a different quarterback compared to the start of the season. Even though the Eagles are hot, they’re at a disadvantage playing on short week and on the road. With no Johnson, I’m fading them tonight.
NFL WEEK 6 PREDICTIONS: CAROLINA PANTHERS -3 (BUY THE HOOK)