Panthers vs. Packers: Expert picks for Week 15
National media predictions for the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers…
The Carolina Panthers knocked off Minnesota last week and now hosts a second NFC North team in the Green Bay Packers. Carolina is currently holding a playoff berth as the Packers need three straight wins in order to have a shot at extending their season.
Expected to get a boost from the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Panthers will face a different Packers team than those led by backup Brett Hundley. Regardless, the Green Bay defense has struggled recently against the run as the Panthers have emerged on the ground.
If Carolina continues getting solid production from the backfield combination of Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey a second consecutive home win is likely. However, Rodgers has historically performed well with his back against a wall and an eight year streak of playoff appearances is essentially on the line.
Following is a look at who various media outlets expect to win when the Panthers and Packers kick off Sunday.
CBS Sports – Carolina Panthers
In a change from recent weeks, six of the eight analysts selecting believe the Panthers will win their second straight home game. General visitors to the site are about as confident with 66-percent favoring Carolina.
ESPN – Carolina Panthers
Ten experts pick for ESPN and only three have the underdog Packers winning. Again, the general population also favors Carolina as the “Pick’em” section is occupied by the Panthers. Even with a return of Rodgers, the Panthers remain favored at home.
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FOX Sports – Carolina Panthers
After 501 simulations in the Fox Sports computer, it was determined the Panthers have a narrow 51.9-percent chance at victory on Sunday. Against a close spread (-3), the visiting Packers are favored.
NFL.com – Green Bay Packers
Elliot Harrison goes against the norm picking the Packers to win by six. His reasoning revolves around Rodgers return in addition to the recent emergence of Green Bay rookie running back Jamaal Williams.
Sports Illustrated – Green Bay Packers
By a vote of four to two, the Packers are expected to either win outright or cover the three point spread for their game with Carolina. All time, Green Bay is 9-5 against Carolina and 5-3 inside Bank of America Stadium but the Panthers own the latest victory during the 2015 season.
Next: Week 15 - Packers Perspective
Aided by a Falcons win over New Orleans last week, Carolina would take over first place with a win and corresponding Saints loss.