The new-look Carolina Panthers head to Philadelphia this weekend. Bryce Young and his crew will take on Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET with temperatures forecasted at 51 degrees and winds around 11 mph at kickoff. The game will air on FOX. Now let’s take a look at this Pathers-Eagles preview and predictions.
The Carolina Panthers look like an entirely new team with an entirely new quarterback. The post-benching Bryce Young era has been a refreshment for this Panthers fan base and even has some saying he should get another season as the starter. At just 3-9, two of the Panthers three wins have come over the last four games, and maybe more importantly their two losses in the last two games were by just three points to the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Philadelphia is still in hot pursuit of the Detroit Lions for the number one overall seed in the NFC playoffs. They sit one game back with a record of 10-2, also holding a 2.5-game lead over the Washington Commanders in the NFC East. The Eagles have won eight games in a row, and maybe more impressively covered the spread in six of their last seven.
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictions Video
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Predictions
Saquon Barkley Longest Rush Over 19.5 Yards (-125)
The Carolina Panthers are the worst rushing defense in the NFL. They rank 32nd in stopping the run, allowing 166.8 yards per game on the ground. All season long teams have torn the Panther apart on the ground, and that’s why Barkley’s rushing total sits at 113.5. Rather than sweat him out getting to that number, let’s just get that one big run early and cash in. In nine of the Eagles’ 12 games in 2024 Barkley has had a rush of over 19 yards including the Eagles’ last three games. He just needs to break one run against the worst defense in the league, which he could probably do on one leg.
Philadelphia Eagles -12 (-120)
I can’t stress enough how good this Carolina team has looked lately and I believe there’s a lot of hope for the future. Sunday isn’t the future that has hope though. This Eagles team has been steam rolling over opponents lately, especially teams that aren’t good. They beat Dallas 34-6, and the Giants 28-3. They’ve handled teams like the Rams, Commanders and Bengals without much resistance and are coming off a huge win over Baltimore last week.
Carolina keeping it close with Kansas City was impressive, but the Chiefs have just lacked the ability to put teams away this season. Philadelphia doesn’t have that problem, and at 8-4 ATS, they are the team I’m backing this weekend.
