Fansided

5 NFL teams that must win in Week 12

By Thomas Wheaton

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws before a game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans throws before a game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 18, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

3. Carolina Panthers

After a heart-breaking, gut-wrenching loss last week to the Detroit Lions, the Panthers desperately need a win. The Panthers are one of the better teams in the league, but have zero chance of winning the NFC South due to the utter dominance of the New Orleans Saints. However, like the aforementioned Chargers, the Panthers have a solid chance at taking a wild card spot.

A win over a surprisingly decent Seattle Seahawks would go a long way in boosting their odds of a playoff berth. Being back home in Charlotte will help considerably as the support of the home fans will drown out the loss from last week.

Cam Newton and company will need to dominate on offense to help neutralize the Seahawks running game. If the Seahawks jump out to a lead and find themselves in a position to be able to run out the clock, the Panthers may as well kiss a win goodbye.

However, if the Panthers offense can help keep the defense off the field, this game is quite winnable for Carolina. Luke Keuchly needs to have a great game as he will be vital in keeping Chris Carson and Mike Davis at bay.

Look for the Panthers to control time of possession and win the turnover battle en route to a big victory.