Who will win between Cardinals and Panthers? Our Observer experts pick the score
If you are a Carolina Panthers fan and have some sort of free-floating happiness when you hear the words “Arizona Cardinals,” that’s with good reason.
The Panthers have been incredibly successful against Arizona. They are 11-4 in regular-season games vs. the Cards, which is the Panthers’ best winning percentage (73.3%) against any NFC team. You may also recall that the Panthers have whipped the Cardinals twice in the playoffs in the past seven years — once in a wild-card game and once in the NFC Championship in an unforgettable 49-15 rout in January 2016.
Our Observer expert panel, however, doesn’t put a lot of stock in ancient history like that. Far more important is the recent history. Arizona (8-1) has the best record in the NFL and is about a 10-point favorite over Carolina (4-5). The Panthers plan to start backup quarterback P.J. Walker on Sunday, with Cam Newton signed but not likely to play much, if at all, until next week.
On with the picks.
Jonathan Alexander, Panthers beat writer: The Cardinals just have too much firepower. They’ve dominated teams in their wins.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to return Sunday, and he’s playing at an MVP level. The 24-year-old has a cannon for an arm and can run. DeAndre Hopkins is, in my opinion, the best wide receiver in the league. And linebacker Chandler Jones can be a nightmare on defense. The Cardinals are just too good. Cardinals 33, Panthers 14.
Matt Stephens, McClatchy Southeast senior sports editor: Carolina has scored one touchdown in the past three games. What reason do I have to think Sunday will be any different? I do believe the Panthers’ defense will hold Arizona to 17 points, but there’s bound to be a pick-six in there somewhere. Cardinals 24, Panthers 5.
Ellis Williams, Panthers beat writer: P.J. Walker will provide a new spark, but the Panthers offensive line shows itself as a problem too glaring to overcome. Cardinals 31, Panthers 17.
Scott Fowler, sports columnist: The Panthers are going to win a game at some point that you would have sworn they would lose, much like Jacksonville’s inexplicable win over Buffalo last week. Carolina is that kind of team — talented but inconsistent.
The Panthers would need a cheap touchdown or two for it to happen this week, though — or a sudden Cam Newton miracle. Both are unlikely. I do think the Panthers will beat the spread, though. Cardinals 27, Panthers 20.
