It’s been a reality check for the Carolina Panthers over the last couple of weeks. Although their defense came up with the goods more often than not against the Philadelphia Eagles, the same cannot be said of the offense that proved crucial as they fell to their second defeat of the season.
The same old problems are constantly emerging. And if anything, the Panthers are getting worse in these areas and things have to improve significantly in the face of another stern test in Week 6.
Next up for Carolina is another home contest against the Minnesota Vikings, who come into the game on the back of two victories in their last three games after a last-gasp triumph over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing outstanding football to begin the campaign. Mike Zimmer’s defense also boasts a wealth of playmakers that can make things happen at the drop of a hat.
This won’t be easy for the Panthers by any stretch of the imagination. And make no mistake, another loss on home soil would be catastrophic to the team’s chances of reaching the postseason.
Panthers vs Vikings Odds Week 6
The Week 6 betting odds on WynnBET have the Panthers as 1.0-point favorites at Bank of America Stadium. They have -120 money line odds, while the Vikings are the slight underdog at +100.
The total for the game is set at an over/under of 47.0 points.
Panthers vs Vikings Prediction Week 6
Much will depend on whether Christian McCaffrey is fit and ready to go for this one. The running back returned to practice last week but wasn’t risked by Carolina as they take their time to avoid further complications down the line.
The Panthers are a completely different offense with McCaffrey on the field. So the coaching staff will be monitoring his progress extremely closely in the coming days before coming to a conclusion regarding his status.
If McCaffrey gets the green light, this is a good matchup despite the strength of Minnesota’s front seven. It also gives Sam Darnold his security blanket back after the quarterback’s struggles have been there for all to see without the All-Pro alongside him in the backfield.
As the odds suggest, this one is going to be extremely tight.
The Vikings do have some problems in their secondary. If Carolina can take advantage of this, they might be able to come away with a narrow 24-21 victory.
However, judging by what we’ve seen over the last fortnight, it’s far from a guarantee.
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