When ESPN got the rights to the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Indianapolis Colts, they wouldn't have been surprised to be getting one of the hottest teams in the NFL when Week 8 rolled around.
Colts vs. Panthers 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch ‘Monday Night Football’ online
The struggling Indianapolis Colts go to Carolina to face the unbeaten Panthers.
They just didn’t expect it to be the Panthers.
Carolina comes in with a perfect 6-0 mark, while the Colts are just 3-4, and it is Cam Newton in the MVP consideration, while Andrew Luck has battled injuries and hasn't played well when healthy.
Luck has thrown nine interceptions in five starts and is completing just 56.2 percent of his passes. Forty-year-old Matt Hasselbeck actually outperformed Luck in his two starts while the starter was recovering from a shoulder problem, but the Colts’ future is tied to Luck, so he will keep the job.
Frank Gore has given the Colts a good rushing attack, averaging 4.6 yards a carry, while T.Y. Hilton is Luck's deep threat and Donte Moncrief and tight end Coby Fleener have been the possession receivers. Luck will need to step up his performance, as the Panthers came into the weekend with the third-ranked pass defense in the league. Gore might have more success, with Carolina only ranked 22nd against the run.
For the Panthers, the offense is averaging 27 points per game, thanks in great part to their running game. Jonathan Stewart and Newton are averaging a combined 111.3 yards per game on the ground, and Mike Tolbert gives them a short-yardage threat.
Ted Ginn and tight end Greg Olsen are Newton's favorite targets, and should have a good night against Indianapolis' 27th-ranked pass defense.
How to watch
When: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Network: ESPN
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Michele Tafoya
Online: Watch ESPN
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