Panthers (5-6) at Dolphins (4-7)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

TV: 5-6

Tipico Sportsbook line: Panthers by 2 ⁄2

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Panthers’ keys to victory: Matt Rhule’s team will have to get the ball out quickly. QB Cam Newton needs to make quick reads and not hold the ball too long with the Dolphins always bringing extra rushers. The second aspect that needs to be on point is their running game. In Week 11 against Washington, Newton and RB Christian McCaffrey combined for 105 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami has won three straight after losing seven in a row; the defense can be credited for the turnaround. The unit will need to keep up its stellar performance and force the opposing quarterback into mistakes. The Dolphins also need to pick up their offensive output. They haven’t done anything exceptionally well this season. Against a pretty solid defense like Carolina’s, they can’t just run back the same game plan they used to beat the Jets in Week 11.

Matchup to watch: Panthers’ McCaffrey vs. Dolphins’ front seven. When he’s healthy, there aren’t many running backs you’d take over McCaffrey. He can break tackles, make guys miss and make tough catches. Early in the season, the Dolphins were struggling to stop pass-catching backs. There will need to be extra attention committed to stopping McCaffrey from having a big day.

Who wins? While the Dolphins have looked better over the past few weeks, they still haven’t done anything offensively that inspires confidence. It is tough to see them pulling out a victory in this one.

Panthers, 20-17