Panthers (3-3) at Giants (1-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Panthers by 2 ⁄2
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Panthers’ keys to victory: Even with RB Christian McCaffrey out, Carolina should rely on RB Chuba Hubbard to pound the interior of the Giants’ defense. New York has been soft up the middle and is susceptible to big gains. That also opens things up outside and will allow QB Sam Darnold to take advantage of playaction. On defense, the Panthers will look to mimic the Rams, who pressured QB Daniel Jones with consistency in Week 6 and created an abundance of turnovers.
Giants’ keys to victory: For the Joe Judge-led Giants, a return to fundamentals is paramount. They are built around stopping the run. DT Austin Johnson and the interior defenders have to step up, while LB Lorenzo Carter & Co. must set the edge. Tackling also needs to improve. Offensively, Jones needs to balance protecting the ball with being aggressive downfield. WR Kenny Golladay (if healthy) and other skill-position players can help by creating separation and making contested catches.
Matchup to watch: Panthers LB Haason Reddick vs. Giants’ offensive tackles. Whether or not Giants OT Andrew Thomas is able to play, Reddick will factor into the outcome of the game. If New York’s tackles can keep him off Jones’ back and give their quarterback time to throw, the Giants stand a chance. If Reddick dominates Thomas, Nate Solder and Matt Peart, it could be another blowout.
Who wins? The Giants would be underdogs if healthy. Even with Carolina having injury issues of its own, there’s an imbalance.
Panthers, 27-13