Chargers vs. Panthers Prediction
Can the Carolina Panthers find a way to bounce back at home today when it takes on the San Diego Chargers at 1PM ET?
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Panthers are a slight favorite for this game, as they are getting odds of -1.5 points against the Chargers. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 49 points. Carolina has won and covered the spread in four of the last five meetings with San Diego.
Carolina is coming off a 40-7 loss to the Seahawks last week, its worst loss in some time. Cam Newton was benched for the first series for a dress-code violation, creating some controversy this week. The Panthers are now just 4-8 on the season and 3-8-1 against the spread. The Carolina defense is struggling right now, allowing 26.8 points and 387.1 yards per game. They give up 294.3 passing yards per game on the season. The unit could be again without Luke Kuechly due to a concussion. Offensively, Carolina is averaging 23.6 points and 363.3 yards per game. Newton has thrown for 2,614 yards and 14 touchdowns with eight interceptions while rushing for 286 yards. Greg Olsen is the leading receiver with 61 catches for 820 yards.
San Diego is coming off a 28-21 loss at home to the Bucs. The Chargers are now just 5-7 on the season, but 7-5 against the spread. San Diego is giving up 26.6 points and 372.8 yards per game on defense while the offense is putting up 27.8 points and 380.8 yards per game. Philip Rivers has thrown for 3,353 yards and 25 touchdowns to lead the offense while Tyrell Williams has caught 53 passes for 837 yards and six scores. Melvin Gordon has run for 992 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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The Chargers are just 2-4 on the road this season, but they are facing a Carolina team that could be folding up shop. The focus has been on Newton this week, but I think he will respond well at home. Look for Newton to have a big game against this questionable San Diego defense, leading the Panthers to a big win.
NFL WEEK 14 PREDICTION: CAROLINA PANTHERS -1.5