The Carolina Panthers will take on the Miami Dolphins in an inter-conference matchup. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Panthers-Dolphins prediction and pick.
Both of these teams are at interesting points in their respective seasons. The Panthers have managed to play their way back into playoff contention in recent weeks, but they can't afford to lose many games. Most of the other NFC wild card hopefuls have easy matchups this week, so Carolina needs to score a win in order to keep pace. The Dolphins come into this game after rattling off three straight victories. Another win would put Miami into the wild card race in the AFC, so this is a huge game for both teams.
For more insight on the Panthers-Dolphins matchup in Week 12, listen below:
Here are the odds for the Panthers-Dolphins game, courtesy of FanDuel.
NFL Odds: Panthers-Dolphins Odds
Carolina Panthers: -2 (-110)
Miami Dolphins: +2 (-110)
Over: 41.5 (-114)
Under: 41.5 (-106)
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Why The Panthers Could Cover The Spread
Miami has made some huge investments in their defense in recent offseasons, but they haven't fully paid off yet. The Dolphins are still one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, as they allow an average of 274 passing yards per game. Carolina has one of the most underrated wide receiver rooms in the league, and Cam Newton has looked like an upgrade over Sam Darnold in the passing game. Expect the Panthers to attack efficiently through the air in this contest.
The Dolphins may be on a bit of a win streak, but it doesn't really have much to do with their offense. Miami has looked completely lackluster on that side of the ball in every single one of their recent wins, including a 17-point performance against the Houston Texans. Carolina is the best pass defense in the league in terms of yardage allowed per game, and the Dolphins are pretty much incapable of running the football. This defense should have a field day in this game.
Why The Dolphins Could Cover The Spread
Despite what their statistics on the season may say, this Dolphins team is solid on defense. They haven't allowed more than 20 points in any of their last three matchups, and they also haven't allowed a 300-yard passer in four games. Newton looked good in his return to action last week, but this is a tough matchup for him, especially when taking injuries into account. Carolina is down two starters on the offensive line, which will play a huge factor against Miami's relentless pass rush.
There's something to be said for momentum, and the Dolphins certainly have the advantage in that category here. The Panthers are coming off of a loss to the Washington Football Team, while Miami has won three straight games in dominant fashion. Helping matters is the fact that the Panthers haven't played particularly well on the road despite their winning record in that category. The Dolphins have a good chance of keeping their win streak going on their home turf here.
Final Panthers-Dolphins Prediction & Pick
There are too many questions surrounding Cam Newton and the Carolina offense to confidently pick them here. Miami has been on a tear recently, and it's hard to see that stopping against a quarterback who is making his second start of the season in this game.
Final Panthers-Dolphins Prediction & Pick: Miami Dolphins +2 (-110)
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