On the Line: Panthers at Vikings

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings

Vikings -2.5 (42.5 O/U)

Once again, the Carolina Panthers are still in it after the entire NFC South fell this past week. Once again, the Panthers face an opponent that they have a realistic chance of beating, the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings surprisingly are one game up on the Panthers with 4 wins this season, but they have only beat below .500 teams this season (Rams, Falcons, Buccaneers, and Redskins). Both teams are playing for pride, but only the Panthers are playing for a shot at the division lead. Once again, there’s a lot On the Line for the Panthers, when under normal circumstances there should be very little.

Here’s a look at what’s On the Line for the Carolina Panthers.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers +2.5 (Taking the Under)

For the last three weeks, I have methodically picked against the Panthers--and I’ve been right each week. It’s not because I’ve wanted to pick against Carolina, but it’s because they have given me little reason to do so. The Minnesota Vikings don’t give much reason to pick against the Panther either though. We can say they are playing outdoors and it’s on the road, but the Vikes aren’t necessarily used to playing on the road, nor are they exactly on their home-turf (temporary stadium). The Vikings don’t have AP, and Norv Turner’s offense has been, well, anything but Norvish. I like Teddy Bridgewater, but he hasn’t been overwhelming, or underwhelming for that matter. He’s been whelming I guess. Most surprisingly for us that don’t follow the Purple People Eaters, Corderelle Patterson has been non-existent in Turner’s offense. Whether it’s something to do with him, his chemistry with Bridgewater, or something going on between him and Norv, he’s been a ghost since Week 1. So, I’m going all in on the Panthers this week. It’s time they put it all together against a team that has 4 wins, all against cruddy teams. 23-14 Panthers

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Vikings -2.5 (Taking the Over)

The Carolina Panthers still have a good chance at winning the NFC South. They are going to Minnesota this Sunday to take on the Vikings, and I have no idea how this game is going to play out. Before the season started there was no doubt in my mind that the Panthers were going to win this matchup. I am hoping that the Panthers win, but I just don’t see that happening. The Minnesota Vikings average 116 rushing yards per game and allow 118.9 rushing yards per game. The Vikings have the 7th best passing defense in the NFL, so their only weakness on defense is running the ball. But, unfortunately that is also the Panthers weakness. So, how can the Panthers win this game? I don’t know! Vikings 24 Panthers 21

Mel Mayock: Panthers +2.5 (taking the under)

13 degrees! Brrrr, is it going to be cold. I'm real nervous about Mike Remmers starting at RT, and not knowing until Friday. Look for the Vikings to test the communication skills of the right side of our line. I look for a lot of stunts and blitzes. But we are healthier than ever with Tobert and Stiki Wiki coming back, and everyone getting a much needed rest over the bye week. So if we don't win Sunday, when will we? Panthers 21 Vikings 17

Freak’n Puerto Rican: Panthers +2.5 (Taking the Under)

Once again we find ourselves in a “must” win situation. There have been numerous must win games this season and Carolina has yet to win one. So why should this be any different? We are coming off a bye week, some of our better skill position players are back from the injury, and it is the Vikings. Rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater has flashed some ability to play in this league, can the Panthers defense get after him and make him uncomfortable in the pocket? The game will be won along both lines. I just hope Carolina has enough to pull this one out. With a heavy reliance on the run game we should be able to come out on top. We have a shot at getting the division lead, can’t control what happens in the other division games, so we have to take care of business. Despite whatever temp it is. Panthers 24 Vikings 10