NFL Week 6 Picks: Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings

Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 1 PM ET, Oct 13, 2013
Spread: MIN -3
Total: 44

Betting Odds Courtesy of Bovada

Much of the focus will be on Adrian Peterson in this game, as the star running back of the Minnesota Vikings lost his 2-year old son to an abusive man involved with the child’s mother. Side stepping that rather grim and dramatic story are two football teams struggling badly, both in need of a victory.

The Minnesota Vikings are going to attempt to amend their quarterback issues with the newly acquired Josh Freeman, who was waived by Tampa Bay. Freeman still has a lot of potential, but after the Bucs were unable to find any teams interested, they cut the 2009 first-round pick, who many see being able to turn his career around in Minnesota with a much more talented offense.

Christian Ponder has been dealing with a rib injury and missed week 4 against Pittsburgh, but he is expected to play in this game. Ponder’s been relatively accurate this season, but has managed to throw just two touchdowns and he’s been picked five times. His QB rating of 65.9 is fairly indicative of how badly the Vikings are hoping Freeman can provide a lift.

The Panthers QB Cam Newton hasn’t been all that effective, though he has hit 57.5 percent for completion. His 15 sacks and 5 INTs are more alarming. Newton has rushed for 123 yards on 20 attempts, his forte, but he’s going to have to get better results throwing the ball for he and DeAngelo Williams to have the room to operate when the Panthers run. Williams is averaging just 4.5 yards per carry and he has no touchdowns on the season.

CAR

UNDER 8-1 in last 9 following bye week; OVER 7-1-1 in last 9 after scoring less than 15 points in previous game; OVER 5-1 in last 6 following ATS loss