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Eagles vs. Panthers: Preview, score prediction for Week 6

By Cody Williams

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with LeGarrette Blount #29 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on September 24, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with LeGarrette Blount #29 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on September 24, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers

Entering Week 6 of the 2017 NFL season, it feels as if 95 percent of the league already has two losses. Obviously that’s neither possible nor true in this instance. However, there has been shockingly little consistency to this point. Yet, two of the more consistent teams to this point, the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers, will meet on Thursday Night Football.

Both the Eagles and Panthers enter this contest with 4-1 records, both eyeing division titles. What’s more, these teams are led by star quarterbacks and fearsome defensive fronts. They can both score and shut opponents down. As such, this has the makings of a fantastic matchup.

So what happens when Philly heads to Carolina and these two clash? Let’s try to unpack some of that.

Keys to Victory

When it comes to the Panthers, the thing that their offense has really come down to is whether or not Cam Newton looks right or not. To start the year, he didn’t look like he was 100 percent healthy. As such, the offensive unit as a whole was limited. In the past two games, he’s looked himself and they’ve looked downright dangerous. Thus, the key for Carolina is which Newton shows up: Cam or SuperCam.

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As for their defense, the big onus will be on the secondary. They’ve improved in recent weeks, but they were a bit susceptible earlier in the season, but just weren’t facing quarterbacks that could take advantage. That’s not Carson Wentz, however — if you give him the opportunity, he’s going to sling it and try and make the play. With the bevy of receiving talent the Eagles have in addition to Wentz, the Carolina corners need to be at their best.

For the Eagles defense, they need to get pressure early, often and consistently. We’ve seen that Newton can get beaten down and struggle because of it. What’s more, the Panthers offensive line has been banged up and leaves plenty to be desired to begin with. Matched up against one of the best and deepest front sevens in football, Philly needs to look like it in primetime on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Wentz and the offense obviously need the quarterback to protect the rock and make big plays. However, the big key is going to be the offensive line moving a stout and dangerous front seven for Carolina and getting holes for the likes of LeGarrette Blount. If they can get balance on offense and break off positive yardage regularly, that’s going to be huge for them controlling this matchup on the road.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Carolina -3.5
Moneyline: Carolina -180, Philadelphia +160
Over/Under: 45.5

Odds via Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 6

Prediction

Though they’ll be on the road on a short week, I simply believe in the talent of the Eagles more than I do that of the Panthers. Especially with Carolina having more injuries to the offense, I think that’s just enough for the Philadelphia defense to be able to take hold of an edge over their opponents and pull the victory in on Thursday Night Football.

Final Score: Philadelphia Eagles: 29, Carolina Panthers: 20

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