The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals face off on Sunday in a cross country NFL showdown at the University of Phoenix Stadium. When these two teams faced off in 2020 it was Panthers that won 31-21.
The Carolina Panthers sit with a 4-5 record overall and now they are dealing with who will start in this game. Sam Darnold is out, and the team made a big signing bringing in Cam Newton. Newton could get the start but it’s unclear if he will be ready in time. If he can’t go the team will turn to P.J Walker. The Panthers are averaging 19 points while their defense is giving up 20.53 points per game. The Panthers do have Christian McCaffrey back and in the last game he had 14 attempts for 52 yards. No matter who is the starter in this game, McCaffrey is going to need to have a big role.
On the other side of this matchup is the Arizona Cardinals who sit with an 8-1 record overall and in their last game against the San Francisco 49ers with a backup quarterback, they were able to win. Colt McCoy completed 22 of his 26 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown. Kyler Murray is expected to be back for this game but they are still banged up. Chase Edmonds will be out, and DeAndre Hopkins and Rondale Moore are both questionable for this game. The Cardinals are averaging 30.78 points while their defense is giving up 17.22 points per game.
The Panthers are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games as a road underdog. The Cardinals are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games overall. The over is 4-1 in the last five meetings. The Panthers are 5-0 against the spread in their last five meetings.
The Arizona Cardinals are the better team, and I don’t trust the Panthers to move the ball, no matter who is under center. Look for the Cardinals to get out to a fast start, and they will score 30 or more points. Back the Cardinals to cover the spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
