Two teams who are on the opposite side of expectations from the start of the NFL season will face off in week 12 of the season. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will be on the road this week, and they will be out in California to take on Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and the Oakland Raiders. The Panthers are coming into this one following a 23-20 win against the New Orleans Saints. The Raiders won in controversial fashion on Monday Night in Mexico against the Houston Texans.
The Panthers came into this season as one of the favorites in the NFC. Cam Newton and their defense led the team to a magical season last season that resulted in a trip to the Super Bowl, so many expected the same once again this year. But that has not been the case, as the Panthers have had their fair share of issues, and currently sit in dead last in the NFC South with a 4-6 record. The defense has shown some flashes, but have not been nearly the same unit they were a season ago. Even Cam Newton has not looked the same, and the team appears to be missing some confidence as a result. Now they travel to the West Coast and have to take on one of the best teams in the AFC.
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The Raiders have been a team of perseverance this season. They started the season off with one of the boldest moves of the year by going for two, resulting in a win over the Saints. They have not stopped since and currently sit with an 8-2 record and atop the AFC West. They have plenty of issues with penalties, but when all is said and done, they find ways to win games. So while they may not run away with every game, they are fun to watch. That style of play makes a three and a half point spread a bit risky, as they could very easily end up winning by only a field goal. But I love rooting for this team, and not a fan of the Panthers, so this pick has to be the Raiders for me.
Line: Oak -3.5, O/U: 48.5
Pick: Raiders and the over
Result: Oak 35 – Car 32, Panthers and the over
To see the spreads and over/under for each week 12 match-up, make sure you head over to our master sheet right here!