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#1 Carolina Panthers (3-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)
This matchup boasts two quarterbacks who could be the future stars of the league if they are already not. But, both teams had an up and down 2018 season so far. Both teams can use the win to get ahead of their divisional opponents.
Trending
Erratic Eagles, Inconsistent Panthers
Panthers who started the season 3-1 lost their last week matchup against another NFC East opponent in Washington Redskins. They are one game behind the New Orleans Saints for the division lead and could use the win over the defending champions in case of tie-breaker scenarios.
Panthers are favourites to land one of the two wild-card berths if they miss out on the division crown, But, the same cannot be said to the Eagles. If the Eagles miss out on the division they are pretty much not going to play in January that's how tough NFC is and how bad NFC East is. Eagles seem to have found their old ways with the win over the struggling New York Giants.
The Eagles will be facing a tough team in Carolina. The key for Eagles defence is stopping the Running back Christian McCaffery and the quarterback Cam Newton. Carolina passing game hasn't been that good because of lack of proper targets but with the return of Greg Olsen and McCaffery's receiving skills, Newton will have more hand to feed against this struggling Eagles pass defence.
On the other hand, the Eagles offence will be facing a tough Carolina defence who are 4th in Yards allowed. Unlike last Thursday night, it is not going to be a smooth ride for the Eagles offence who will need to establish a good running game. The Eagles have had bad injury luck at the position and need both Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement to step up early in the game to open up the Play action passes.
Fantasy Outlook
Must Start:
Zach Ertz, TE Eagles: Carolina gives up 6th most fantasy points to TEs and he should be continued to play in all formats as he remains one of the top favourite targets for Wentz.
Alshon Jeffery, WR Eagles: Jeffery had his breakout game last week and should find targets coming to his way especially if Eagles fall behind.
Christian McCaffery RB Panthers: McCaffery is a threat both through air and ground, Look for a rushing touchdown and a reeving TD from this Panthers RB.
Under the Radar:
Devin Funchess, WR Panthers: Despite the loss, Funchess had a good game last week. With Olsen back, he should free up and see more targets coming his way.
Greg Olsen, TE Panthers: Olsen was eased into the lineup last week and posted decent numbers for the comeback game and look for the numbers to go up.
Caution:
Both Eagles and Panther defence are risky plays because both offences are dynamic and less turnover prone. Better to look elsewhere for the defence positions.
Prediction
Eagles are improving week by week and Panther lost a game they really shouldn't have. I still think Panthers have the edge in this game over the Eagles purely because of the roster strength. They are healthy and efficient on the other hand Eagles are still trying to recover from the injuries in this very young season. Panthers will win the game and hope for a Saints lose to tie it up for the division lead.
Panthers 24, Eagles 21
