The Green Bay Packers started slow, but they are playing better and are tied for the NFC North lead with a 4-2 record. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers started 2-0 but have only mustered one win since, falling to 3-2-1 after a 37-37 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals last week. Even in October, this game is a critical one for the NFC playoff picture.
NFL picks and predictions, Panthers vs. Packers 2014: Experts believe in Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
The Packers aim for their third consecutive win when they host the Panthers at Lambeau Field.
Mike Ehrmann
Green Bay features a high-powered attack behind Aaron Rodgers and receiver Jordy Nelson, who leads the NFL with 632 receiving yards. The running game has also begun to step up, with Eddie Lacy rushing for 145 yards over the past two games. Lacy has an opportunity for a nice day against the Panthers run defense, who are allowing 5.5 yards per carry.
NFL Week 7
Carolina had the second-ranked defense behind the Seattle Seahawks in 2013, but things have gone sideways. Without defensive end Greg Hardy, the unit has just 13 sacks and is getting gashed on the ground. Head coach Ron Rivera is a former defensive coordinator and ex-NFL linebacker, giving the Panthers a good mind to fix the problems. However, the situation has gotten no better recently, with the Bengals racking up 513 total yards last week.
Over at ESPN, only Chris Mortensen believes the Panthers will take the win in Lambeau Field, with the other 12 analysts taking the Packers. Meanwhile, the fine folks of CBS Sports are showing faith in Carolina to cover the spread, but Green Bay to win the game. It was also a clean sweep of the seven-member USA Today panel, with the Packers getting the edge.
Here at SB Nation, Green Bay is getting considerable love from the seven experts. Only Ryan Van Bibber expects the Panthers to pull off the upset, keeping Carolina in good shape for a playoff berth.
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