Sunday will feature a matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is set for 1 pm ET.
The Carolina Panthers have had a bumpy season. It started with two losses and an injury to running back Christian McCaffrey. Then they went on a three-game winning streak but are now in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
The good news for the Panthers is that McCaffrey is back in the lineup for this one. This will be his first game since Week 2.
The Kansas City Chiefs are looking sharp. The reigning Super Bowl Champions are 7-1, with their only loss coming to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Return of McCaffrey
Many fans are happy to hear about the return of McCaffrey after his Week 2 injury against Tampa Bay. For many, he was the top selection in their fantasy draft.
“He’s one of the best in the National Football League,” said Panthers head coach Matt Rhule. “Like any great player, you feel better about your chances when he’s there than what he’s not.”
Teddy Bridgewater has been keeping the Panthers competitive from the quarterback position. He’s had some ups and downs this season, but overall, he is playing pretty well. He has over 2,000 yards passing and nine touchdowns on the year.
His only knock would be the six interceptions. He will have to control the ball in this game, but having McCaffrey in the backfield will help.
Mahomes Still Potent
Patrick Mahomes is probably the most popular name in the NFL. He also has over 2,000 yards passing, but he has 21 touchdowns and only one interception.
This team hasn’t slowed down after winning the Super Bowl last season. They even picked up a great back in Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the draft. The rookie is their leading back, with over 500 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Mahomes’ go-to target has been Travis Kelce. The tight end has caught 48 passes for 610 yards and six touchdowns.
Andy Reid has this team playing well, and I doubt anything changes in this one.
Prediction
The Kansas City Chiefs enter this game as the favorites, with a 10.5-point spread. The over/under is set at 53.
The big questions will be whether or not McCaffrey can be effective in his first game back and how much the Panthers will use him. Either way, Bridgewater has found a way to keep this team competitive.
That hasn’t meant many wins, but they aren’t getting blown out of games. I do expect the Chiefs to win this game, but I predict it will only be by a touchdown or so. I’m going to take the Panthers at +10.5 to cover the spread.
For them to cover, the Panthers will have to find a way to score alongside the Chiefs, which I believe they will do. If they cover, the game will go over the 53-point total.
The pick is Carolina +10.5 and the over.