Coming off a home win last weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles hit the road in Week 6 to take on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Both teams sit at 4-1 on the season, and will be subjected to the Color Rush treatment on Thursday Night Football when they play at 8:25 p.m. ET on NFL Network/CBS (live stream).
Eagles vs. Panthers live stream: How to watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ online
Two 4-1 teams fight to stay in the race for top team in the NFC.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The Eagles’ sole loss this season came against the still undefeated Kansas City Chiefs — and former head coach Andy Reid — with Carson Wentz continuing to improve in the weeks since. In the team’s win last weekend, the quarterback had a career game, throwing for four touchdowns against just one interception and claimed a perfect passer rating on third downs.
Philly has had to overcome injuries like the one that ended RB Darren Sproles’ season, but have yet to see a huge production dip from the offense. The team did lose Lane Johnson to a concussion last week, and with a short week, didn’t have time for him to clear protocol. In Johnson’s absence, though, Big V (Halapoulivaati Vaitai), stepped in for 34 snaps and didn’t give up any sacks, QB hits or QB hurries.
The Panthers have had their own share of injuries to overcome, beginning earlier in the year, but are starting to find a rhythm with a new supporting cast. As Cam Newton gets further removed from his shoulder injury, he’s starting to look more like his 2015 self. He’s still without TE Greg Olsen, but has seemed to find a productive Plan B with Ed Dickson — who saw the majority of targets in Week 5 and had himself a career day.
With the Eagles sitting atop the NFC East and the Panthers in the No. 1 spot for the NFC South, this Thursday night matchup should be an electric competition.
Time, TV channel, and streaming info
- Time: 8:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
- TV: NFL Network/CBS
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Odds: The Panthers are 3.5 point favorites.
Eagles vs. Panthers news:
- The Eagles released an estimated injury report from the short week, and Lane Johnson is still out with a concussion.
As Eagles fans are well aware, Johnson is such a critical part of the team’s success. He’s a force at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s only allowed five pressures in 193 total pass block snaps. That rate ranks third best in the NFL among offensive tackles.
- Growing the run game and expanding their use of the option should help the Panthers’ offensive production.
The Panthers have been very conservative with their use of the option so far this season, because they’ve wanted to prevent Cam Newton from taking extra hits. However, it can still be a great way to complement the traditional run game when used as a change of pace option.
- The Philly squad as a whole has come together as a family and is playing like it, from their on-field chemistry to their group TD celebrations.
- TE Ed Dickson was Newton’s top target last week.
What I love most about seeing Dickson so productive is it means Cam is going through his progressions and seeing the field clearly. It also gives every DC remaining on the schedule one more thing to worry about.
Eagles vs. Panthers predictions:
Despite the Panthers besting the Patriots a couple weeks back, the Eagles still have the momentum to not only keep up their current pace but to continue to exceed it. Even with a couple key players out for Philadelphia, the Eagles get a big win on the road -- though, they don’t win by more than a score.
The good, bad and ugly from Sunday’s action
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