New York Giants at Carolina Panthers
Thursday, 9/20/12, 8:20 PM EST, TV: NFL Network
Opening Point Spread: New York -1
Current Betting Line: Carolina -3
Opening Total: 51.5
Current Total: 49.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
New York is set to play three games in 16 days, as it comes off a 41-34 come-from-behind victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as nine-point home favorites last week. “It’s going to be a cut-down week, but I think both teams are going through the same situation,” stated Giants cornerback Corey Webster. The Giants will be facing the Panthers for the seventh time, with each side coming away with three victories. New York is 10-5 ATS as an underdog the last two-plus seasons, which is important to note when making your NFL picks.
The Giants have had one full practice this week, but will have extra meetings, including the morning of the game. New York quarterback Eli Manning will have a hard time following up last week’s performance, throwing for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He will not have wide receiver Hakeem Nicks available on the perimeter, while starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw is also out. Victor Cruz will need to step up in a big way, as he comes off a 179-yard receiving performance in Week 2.
Carolina earned its first victory over the New Orleans Saints since 2008 last week, but will have to refocus quickly in this prime time contest. “This is as big as it gets,” commented Panthers second-year head coach Ron Rivera. “This is the national spotlight.” The team will rely heavily on the dual-threat capability of quarterback Cam Newton, who finished with 253 passing and 71 rushing yards against the Saints. Carolina is 3-3 ATS as a home favorite of three or fewer points.
The Panthers have some injury concerns of their own, most notably wide receiver Steve Smith (knee) and Jonathan Stewart (ankle). Carolina will need to continue stressing the run offensively, as it moved from 32nd to 11th in the NFL rankings in that category after gaining 219 yards on the ground against the Saints. Steward would love to be part of this contest, considering he set a franchise record with 206 rushing yards against the Giants in 2009.
Sports bettors will likely play the total in this contest, as the Panthers have fallen short of the number in 22 of their last 27 games off a home win against a division rival.
Don’t miss out on a winning season and let the NFL handicappers at Maddux Sports line your pockets with cash. Long term packages are available now!
