Panthers vs. Packers 2014: Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers face off in Week 7

The Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers are both in first place in their respective divisions, but both could lose that standing with losses in Week 7. Sitting at 4-2 on the season, the Packers are tied with the Detroit Lions for the division lead. This home game against Carolina was pegged as one of the tougher games on the schedule, and one that would be important to win.

For Carolina, this is the middle game of a difficult three-game stretch. They just took on the Cincinnati Bengals on the road in Week 6 and then host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8. Games against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons follow until the Panthers finally get a bye week in Week 12.

Carolina features the No. 13 passing attack in the NFL under Cam Newton. They throw for 257 passing yards per game, which would be ideal if the Carolina defense was playing as well as it was a season ago. Unfortunately, it's not. The run defense is woefully poor, with 140.2 rushing yards allowed per game, and the pass defense only fares marginally better with 252.3 passing yards allowed per game.

Jonathan Stewart: The Panthers' running back started the season as the backup to DeAngelo Williams, who is now injured, and then was injured himself in Week 3. This is his first game back and he's expected to make the start. He couldn't have asked for a better return, since the Packers simply aren't good at stopping the run. If what Stewart needs is a confidence boost, he stands a good chance of getting it on Sunday.

Cam Newton: It will be particularly interesting to see how the Panthers approach using Newton in the running game. Newton has been solid passing the football of late, but he also leads the Panthers in rushing yardage. That's not saying much due to all of the injuries, but the Packers don't have a good history when it comes to stopping scrambling quarterbacks. Newton won't get 17 carries like he did in Week 6, but he should get his fair share of keepers.

Jordy Nelson: While the Packers have struggled on the offensive side of the ball, Nelson has been on fire. He's caught 43 passes for 632 yards and five touchdowns this season. He leads the league in receiving yardage and touchdowns and the Panthers, as noted above, are not especially strong against the pass.

Announcers: Sam Rosen, John Lynch, Pam Oliver

Lambeau Field is one of the most historic venues in football and Packers fans are among the most devout. Only the New England Patriots have a better home record than the Packers over the past five seasons. Rodgers is 23-2 in his last 25 regular season games at Lambeau.