Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings: Game preview, odds and predictions

Oct 30, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Date: October 13
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stadium: Mall of America Field aka Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
TV Info: FOX
Line: Minnesota -3
Over/Under: 44 points

This week the 1-3 Carolina Panthers travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings, who are also 1-3. For the Minnesota Vikings, this season has been disappointing. They came out of a tough NFC North division and managed to earn a playoff berth.

The Vikings got their first win over the winless Pittsburgh Steelers in London. The Panthers lone win has come from a thrashing of the winless New York Giants. So neither of these teams have a quality win.

Prediction:

It will be hard for the Vikings to beat the Panthers at home. The Panthers have a top 10 defense and are allowing only 14.5 points per game. They nearly beat the Seattle Seahawks in a 12-7 loss in the first week. Their second loss of the season came against the Buffalo Bills when Stevie Johnson scored a touchdown as time expired.

The Vikings have home field advantage, that works in their favor. Last week the Panthers lost on the road to the Arizona Cardinals 22-6 and this Vikings game is the second leg of this two week road trip.

The Vikings look like they plan on starting Matt Cassel at quarterback this Sunday. Cassel knows this could be his last opportunity to prove himself before Ponder gets another shot or Josh Freeman takes over. So he’ll be especially motivated to play well.

That’s why I’m predicting that Minnesota wins.

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