When the Panthers’ 2019 schedule was released, there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special about their Week 8 matchup with the 49ers.
Now that it’s arrived, it’s clear this is a game with potentially serious implications for the NFC playoff race. Coach Ron Rivera has already announced Kyle Allen will be playing at quarterback this week.
Asked about facing the 6-0 Niners, Allen said he thinks it’s a great challenge and a meter for the team.
The 49ers opened as 5.5-point favorites. However, there’s good reason to think Allen and the Panthers have a chance at an upset.
For one thing, Allen is better than your average backup QB. Allen’s season to date has been far from perfect, but at least he’s not making the egregious mistakes we saw from both him and Will Grier during the preseason. Coming into this week, Allen has still yet to throw an interception, which is his strongest asset.
Fumbles have been the most problematic part of his performance. Allen had none in London but he has six for the season. Avoiding any more of those will be key, especially considering the talent on defense he’ll be competing against.
The Panthers have a decent defense of their own, of course – more on that to come. For now, we can safely say this isn’t going to be anything like the crazy Chiefs/Rams shootout on Monday night last year. Fans should expect a playoff atmosphere and a competitive, low-scoring game.
