THURSDAY’S NFL GAME

Panthers at Steelers

When: Thursday, 6:20 p.m. Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh TV: Channel 10/NFL Network

Outlook: Carolina (6-2) scored franchise-record 35 first-half points vs. Tampa Bay last week. Panthers have scored 99 points in the last nine quarters. … Pittsburgh (5-2-1) has won four straight since 1-2-1 start to take lead in AFC North. … Steelers are 17-5 at home against NFC under Mike Tomlin. …Carolina has allowed 12 sacks, second fewest through eight games in franchise history; Pittsburgh third in league in fewest sacks allowed (11) and has surrendered just two over last four weeks. … Panthers QB Cam Newton needs one TD rushing for an eighth straight season with at least five TDs rushing. … Newton has thrown at least two TDs in seven straight games. … Steelers WR Antonio Brown has had a TD reception in six straight games, tied for secondlongest streak in team history. … Brown’s nine TD receptions is franchise record for most in first eight games of season.

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