Eagles (1-3) at Panthers (3-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Panthers by 3 ⁄2
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Eagles’ keys to victory: Carolina’s offensive line, particularly on its interior, has struggled to start the season. Philadelphia, as its NFC foe in Dallas did in Week 4, needs to take advantage by blowing up the middle to knock QB Sam Darnold off his spot. Doing starts with a top-tier defensive tackle duo in Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. Philadelphia would also be wise to attack a battered Carolina secondary. The group has lost two of its starters in CB Jaycee Horn and S Juston Burris in addition to the Panthers top nickel defender in Myles Hartsfield. If the Panthers focus on the slot, rookie WR DeVonta Smith could have a nice outing.
Panthers’ keys to victory: Darnold reverted back to his New York Jets days against the Dallas Cowboys with his errant throws and poor decision-making. His habit of attempting to squeeze the ball into almost non-existent windows resulted in two interceptions in the 36-28 loss. The defense also has to learn from a listless outing; it hardly touched Dallas QB Dak Prescott (zero sacks and one QB hit) and allowed a generous 245 rushing yards (200 more than Carolina’s three-game average coming in).
Matchup to watch: Eagles CB Darius Slay vs. Panthers WR DJ Moore. Moore has been a constant bright spot for the Panthers. Slay has to slow down his pace, one that has the fourth-year receiver headed toward 1,700 yards this season.
Who wins? Carolina bounces back and forces QB Jalen Hurts into a rough afternoon.
Panthers, 24-13