The Minnesota Vikings are riding high after a 2-0 start, and are confident they have found the right replacement for injured QB Teddy Bridgewater after acquiring Sam Bradford from the Eagles. They now must take on perhaps their toughest test on their 2016 schedule as they hit the road to face the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 25th (1:00pm PM ET).
Vikings vs Panthers – Bovada NFL Betting Line:
- Bovada currently has the Carolina Panthers as 7 point home favorites, with the Over/Under set at 43 points
Vikings vs Panthers – A Focus on the Minnesota Vikings:
- Season record: 2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS
- Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games
- Minnesota is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
- Minnesota is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
In week 3 of the young 2016 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings will face their first week without RB Adrian Peterson. To make matters worse, they’ll be up against the defending NFC Champions, the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton has picked up where he left off last season, throwing for five touchdowns with a 92.7 quarterback rating so far in the 2016 season. The Vikings boast an undefeated record through the first two weeks, having defeated Tennessee in Week 1 and the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.
New Vikings QB Sam Bradford will make his second start of the season this Sunday in Carolina. The Vikings defense will need to maintain the pace they’ve set through the first two weeks, as Cam Newton is sure to run and pass his way into the end zone in Carolina. If Bradford can duplicate his effort in Week 2, this game may end up closer than its 7-point spread suggests; FOX has the television coverage beginning at 1 PM ET.
Vikings vs Panthers – A Focus on the Carolina Panthers:
- Season record: 1-1 SU, 1-1 ATS
- Carolina is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games
- Carolina is 18-3 SU in their last 21 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina’s last 6 games
The Panthers are also without their starting running back as Jonathan Stewart suffered a hamstring injuring in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. He was replaced by backup Fozzy Whittaker, who proceeded to rush for 100 yards in the 46-27 victory. With key injuries to each team’s primary runners, this matchup will likely come down to quarterbacks and team defense.
Through the first two weeks, the Vikings seem to have the edge defensively, ranking fifth best in points conceded per game (15) and fifth in yards against per game (289.5) versus Carolina’s (1-1) 24 points and 304.5 yards against per game.
Although Cam Newton is the more fear-inducing of the two quarterbacks, the Panthers cannot underestimate the Vikings’ Sam Bradford. After being traded eight days before the beginning of regular season from Philadelphia, Bradford led the Vikes to victory over their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers, 17-14.
Next up:
- Minnesota home to New York Monday, October 3
- Carolina at Atlanta Sunday, October 2
Check out more great information for the Vikings vs Panthers September 25th matchup in the charts below: