The Panthers 6.5 point underdogs against the Colts

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Somebody’s losing streak is about to end.

Last week the Carolina Panthers covered the spread in a 30-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at home. This week I’m not expecting a better result on the road though it might be a closer loss. On second thought, the Panthers will probably screw up by winning this one. Regardless I’m still inclined to take the Indianapolis Colts, who are facing Panthers rookie quarterback Will Grier. As you know Grier is making the first start of his career and is bound to make a few mistakes. So a Colts win by seven seems likely even though I missed on this bet last week. Sports betting is like playing corner back. You have to have a short memory or it will get in your head.

https://topbet.eu/sportsbook/football/nfl

I think both offenses will struggle so I like the under 47 points as the best bet on this game. I’m basing that on the fact that the under was a winner in the Panthers-Seahawks game last week, plus the Colts’ offense is a fraction of the Seahawks’ offense.

Prediction: Colts 21 Panthers 17

Here’s a look at the history between these two franchises.

The Panthers are 5-1 all time versus the Colts and have won the last two.

https://nflcommunications.com/Documents/2019%20Football%20Information/Capsules/Week%2016%20NFL%20Capsules.pdf

Key Colts notes

Linebacker Darius Leonard had team-high 12 tackles last week. Has a sack in three of past four games at home. Tied for NFL lead among linebackers with four interceptions this season.

Defensive end Justin Houston has a sack in four of his past five games at home. Had a sack in his only career game vs. Carolina (12/2/12 with KC).

Rookie cornerback Rock Ya-Sin had a career-high 10 tackles and a tackle for loss in Week 15. Has a pass defensed in two of past three games at home.

Key Panthers notes

Wide receiver DJ Moore had eight catches for 113 yards last week, his fourth 100-yard game of 2019. Has 86 catches & 1,174 receiving yards and is first Panthers receiver with 85+ receptions and 1,100+ receiving yards in single season since Steve Smith Sr. (2005). Aims for his third game in a row vs. AFC South with 90+ receiving yards.

Wide receiver Curtis Samuel had sixth receiving touchdown of season last week. Has touchdown catch in two of his past three games.

Linebacker Luke Kuechly had 17 tackles in Week 15, his eighth career game with 15+ tackles. Had 14 tackles, three passes defensed and an interception in last meeting. Tied for third in NFL with 131 tackles in 2019, his fifth career season with 130+ tackles.

Pass rusher Bruce Irvin has a sack in three of his past four games.

Keys to the game

The key to the Colts offense will be the play of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Colts are mired in a four game losing streak and Brissett’s play has been a big part of it. In his defense injuries have idled many of his key skill players. Marlon Mack and T.Y. Hilton have missed significant time.

Stopping the Panthers offense starts with containing running back Christian McCaffrey, force the Panthers in third and long and then bring the heat on the edges. The Panthers offensive line will have Grier shell shocked by half time. Considering all that if Grier plays well then it gives us one more option at the position next season. I’m keeping the bar low myself.

Keep pounding!

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