Packers (6-8) at Panthers (2-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Packers by 4.5
Packers keys to victory: Create explosive plays and figure out issues on defense. RB Aaron Jones returned from an injury in Week 15, and WR Christian Watson could be back this week. Jones and Watson need to be differencemakers for QB Jordan Love, especially in the red zone, where the Packers have scored only four TDs in their past 10 trips. The defense looks broken after disastrous performances against QBs Tommy DeVito and Baker Mayfield the past two weeks. Stopping the run and pressuring QB Bryce Young into mistakes are requirements.
Panthers keys to victory: Dominate situationally and win the turnover battle. Can Young and the Panthers consistently move the sticks on third down and maximize scoring opportunities in the red zone? The Panthers won in Week 15 despite going 5-for-15 on third down and 0-for-3 scoring touchdowns inside the 20. Defensively, the Panthers have to pressure Love into sacks and mistakes. After getting two takeaways against the Falcons, the Panthers are now 2-1 when winning the turnover battle this season.
Matchup to watch: Packers LB Quay Walker vs. Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard. Can the secondyear linebacker help contain Hubbard, who has 87 or more rushing yards in three straight games?
Who wins? The Packers are reeling after losing back-to-back games, but traveling to Charlotte provides a “get right” opportunity. The Panthers aren’t talented enough on either side of the ball to spring another upset.
Packers, 27-20