CAR @ GB - Now or never

Hello CSRs,

We know people on this forum don't want to hear it, but Tampa Bay is going to defeat New Orleans this Sunday, which forces Carolina into a must win situation if they want to control their own destiny in the battle for the NFC South division title. It really is time for Carolina to step it up and start playing the high quality football we became accustomed to before they had their bye week.

CAR @ GB

Our line: Carolina by 4

Although Carolina has slid down the rankings a significant amount over the last few weeks, there is still no doubt as to who is the better team here. Win Grade (team fundamentals) especially favors Carolina, and highlights the difference in the two teams' run defense as the key factor to this game. While the Panthers run defense has been nothing to write home about as of late, they still have shown a knack for shutting down star RB's over the course of the season, and should have little trouble putting the brakes on GB running back R. Grant. On the other hand, the host teams run defense is borderline atrocious, and outside of what appears to be a fluke performance at home against Chicago, has shown no signs of being able to hold good rushing teams in check. This is great news for running back tandem Williams and Stewart, who have combined for over 100 yards rushing in 5 straight games. It is no secret that the Green Bay secondary is one of the best in the league, and in order to move the ball through the air effectively Carolina is going to have to rely on their two RB's to break some big runs early, forcing Green Bay to pull extra help into the box and open things up some for the aerial attack. Whichever team is able to maintain a two dimension offensive attack will have a serious advantage in this game, and we feel Carolina has the run defense and run attack needed to walk away with a victory and a continued share of the lead in the NFC South.

ITN rankings:

- Carolina #10

- Green Bay #20