New York vs Carolina NFL Handicapping
A stingy Carolina defensive unit will look to help its team get back on the rails after its eight-game winning streak was snapped by New Orleans last week.
The Panthers will aim to remain in contention for the NFC South title and grab the No. 2 seed in the postseason with a big win over an merging New York Jets team, which put an end to its a three-game skid last week with a 37-27 victory over Oakland
When: Sunday, Dec.15, 2013 at 4:05 p.m. EST
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: CBS
LINE: -11 (Panthers), O/U 40.5
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New York (6-7) remains just one game out the final playoff AFC playoff spot, and will have very little margin for mistakes against the Panthers, who has won five straight home games by an average of 20 points, and allows a league-low 14.5 points per game.
And when it comes to home field advantage, Panthers are even better, where they have permitted only five touchdowns in six games.
That could create huge problems for a Jets offense that has produced the second-fewest points in the league, failing to put up more than 14 points in each of its seven losses.
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However, rookie quarterback Geno Smith had a much better outing in Oakland after a three-game stretch in which he was picked off six times and had no TDs.
Because of Smith’s struggles, the Jets offense has been fueled mainly by running back Chris Ivory, who is averaging 81 yards per game, and has rushed for three TDs in the past five games.
However, he will face a Panthers (9-4) defense that leads the league in rushing yards allowed.
Meanwhile, the Jets own the second-ranked run defense in the NFL, and will have their hands full with dual-threat quarterback Cam Newton who may not be the most prolific passer, but is averaging 57 yards rushing in his past four starts.
Newton threw for only 160 yards last week – his lowest total since the season opener, while his counterpart Smith has thrown for a combined 230 yards and five interceptions in his last two road games.
Matt’s Free Prediction
The Panthers can clinch a playoff berth with a win and losses by the 49ers, Cardinals and Cowboys. So this is perhaps their biggest game yet of the season.
Fans can expect some good old fashioned smash mouth football in this one, with the Panthers getting it down at home.
Panthers 24, Jets 14
