Vikings at Panthers: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By John Buhler
The Carolina Panthers will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon in Week 14. Here is a game preview, the betting odds and a final score prediction.
There are so many great games on the weekend slate in the NFL. One of the best games on tap for your enjoyment will be the one between the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) and the Carolina Panthers (8-4). Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 10. CBS will have the telecast with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo in the booth to call it.
Minnesota enters play at 10-2 and leads the NFC North by four games. With a win, the Vikings will clinch their second division title in three seasons. The Vikings have won eight games in a row and have done so with journeyman Case Keenum as their starting quarterback. Minnesota has an elite defense and could very well represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season, in its own building nonetheless.
Carolina enters play at 8-4 on the year and is in second place in the NFC South. However, the Panthers have lost the season series to the New Orleans Saints, who lead them by two games in the divisional race. That being said, Carolina remains in possession of the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture heading into Week 14.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Carolina +3
Moneylines: Minnesota -145, Carolina +135
Over/Under: 41
According to OddsShark, the Panthers will be getting three points at home from the visiting Vikings. The associated moneylines for this game are Minnesota -145 and Carolina +135. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 41 points.
Since this game features two defensive-minded football teams, let’s take the under in this one just to be safe. The Vikings have no problem winning a low-scoring affair, as they just beat the Atlanta Falcons on the road, 14-9 last week. Carolina is too inconsistent offensively to think they’ll put up a bunch of points on this contending Vikings team.
What this game will come down to is ball security. Though both teams will score some touchdowns, Keenum will be extra careful with the football, while Cam Newton will be a tad reckless with it. Minnesota will have a strip sack of Newton, as well as an interception.
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The pick by the Vikings defense will set up the go-ahead, game-winning touchdown about halfway through the fourth quarter. The point total goes under 41, but the Vikings find a way to win and cover the three-point spread to improve to 11-2 on the year and win the NFC North in the process.
Pick: Vikings 21, Panthers 17