The Carolina Panthers (2-0) have two come from behind wins after they beat Chicago during Week 2 play, while the Minnesota Vikings still search for their first win. The Minnesota Vikings play host to the Carolina Panthers, Sunday September 21, at Hubert Humphrey Metrodome. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Minnesota Vikings as -3 point home favorites over the Carolina Panthers with the over/under set at 37 ½ points. Get your NFL Week 3 Picks on Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers in now at Sportsbook.com
The Panthers rallied to score the final 17 points to beat Chicago 20-17 last week. They will receive a boost to their offense with the return of three-time Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith, who missed the first two games after a fight with teammate Ken Lucas during training camp. Smith has three straight 1,000-yard seasons and is regarded as one of the NFL's top receivers. RB DeAngelo Williams and rookie RB Jonathan Stewart combined for 247 yards in the first two games, with Stewart scoring twice in the comeback win against the Bears. The Panthers are averaging 23 ppg and they allow 20 ppg. Their offense is ranked 19th in the league averaging 302 total yards per-game while their running game sits ranked 12th averaging 128 rushing yards a game. Their defense allows a 12th ranked 286 total yards, they are good at pass protection, but struggle against the rush allowing 110 rushing yards per-game. The Panthers are 1-0-1 ATS and 1-1 over/under.
The Vikings dropped their second straight game after losing 15-18 to the Colts at home. They’ll try their luck with a new starter at quarterback. Coach Brad Childress announced Wednesday that Gus Frerotte will take over for Tarvaris Jackson for the rest of the year. QB Jackson completed just 14 of 24 passes for 130 yards; he has only one touchdown pass but one interception. QB Gus Frerotte is a 15-year veteran who played for the Rams last year. He has 1,014 yards under his belt with seven touchdowns. RB Adrian Peterson has been great in his second season, running for 160 yards against the Colts and 103 yards against the Packers. The Vikings are averaging 17 ppg and give up an average 21 ppg. Their offense is ranked 15th in the league averaging 327 total yards per-game while the majority of their yards coming from their 4th ranked running game which averages 183 rushing yards a game. Their passing game is 24th worst in the league averaging 143 yards a game. Their defense is good against the rush but no good against the pass. The Vikings are 0-2 ATS and 2-0 over/under.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Panthers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Panthers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.
- Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
- Panthers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on turf.
- Vikings are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Vikings are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
- Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Minnesota.
- Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers NFL Week 3 Picks
When: Sun, Sept 21, 2008 1:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbook.com
Pick: Carolina +3
Point-Spreads.com Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers NFL Week 3 Picks
The Bottom Line: I don’t know what the NFL oddsmakers are smoking, but having the Vikings as -3 point favorites is ludicrous against the red hot Panthers. Plus Carolina has the best receiver back in the lineup. Get your Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers NFL Week 3 Picks in now at Sportsbook.com and receive a 20% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
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