.jpg "Eagles-at-Panthers-(CBS)")
The Eagles are coming off a whipping of the Arizona Cardinals in which they led 21-0 after one quarter and cruised. Cam Newton was great last time out as the Panthers got out to a big lead on the Lions and held on for the win.
Both of these teams have the type of talent to make a playoff push. Each is competing for its division title and this has large-scale ramifications for both side.
This contest in Week 6 of the regular season will go down Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 8:25 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Philadelphia Eagles +3
Carolina Panthers -3
Over/Under 46
Odds Analysis
The spread indicates that the talent level on both sides seems right about even, with Carolina getting the benefit of the home field advantage. Since this one should be close, it’s not a surprise to see the bettors jumping on the Eagles to cover, with more than 70 percent of the action headed toward Philadelphia.
The scoring total is middle of the road, which makes sense. Each team can score the ball as well as play defense, so it’s hard to know what will entail in this contest.
Injury Report
Lane Johnson — Philadelphia’s right tackle suffered a head injury during Sunday’s win over Arizona and did not return to the game. He told reporters after the game that he expects to play Thursday, but any head injury requires precautions so the short week could be an issue. Johnson is a huge part of the Eagles offensive line.
Fletcher Cox — The Eagles’ star defensive tackle has missed the past two games with a calf injury. The Thursday matchup might not bode well for his return this quickly, and it would be a big loss. Cox has two sacks on the season in three games played and is consistently one of the most disruptive interior pass-rushers in the NFL.
Wendell Smallwood — The Philadelphia running back was expected to assume the role Darren Sproles had as the receiver out of the backfield, but he’s been bothered by a knee injury and didn’t play on Sunday against the Cardinals. The Eagles have a solid lead running back LeGarrette Blount, but he doesn’t have much receiving ability, so the return of Smallwood would be nice.
Ryan Kalil -- The Panthers’ center has missed four straight games with a neck injury, but feels like he is making progress. The Eagles have a strong defensive line, especially if Cox can play, and Carolina could really use Kalil on the line.
Player To Watch
Cam Newton -- The Panthers quarterback was the league MVP in 2015 but has not been that type of player since then. He had a throwback performance in Week 5 against the Lions, throwing for 355 yards with three touchdowns in the victory.
It was his second straight impressive outing, as he had three touchdown throws in an upset of the Patriots. Newton struggled before that, and he has been a bit of a conundrum this year. The Newton that shows up in this game will play a large role in the outcome.
Free ATS Pick
Both of these teams have looked good in the earlygoing and seem to be on the short list of playoff contenders. Philadelphia is aiming to stay atop of what could be a competitive NFC East, but this is a tough matchup.
Carolina can be inconsistent, but it has high-end potential when things are clicking. The Panthers get to play at home on a short week, which is a bonus. Take the Panthers to hold on in a close one as the talent level of these teams is close.
The Eagles are the choice to cover as this one should come down to the wire. Take the “over” in a game that should be entertaining.
NFL Odds: Panthers 27, Eagles 25
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