The Panthers and Packers will share a big stage on Sunday afternoon, with their matchup being broadcast to most of the country.
This is a critical game for Carolina with serious playoff implications. Here are three stories we will be following this week.
A potential statement game for the Panthers
Right now, the Panthers are 5-3 and still have a decent shot at earning a playoff spot (35%). Their 38-point defeat against the 49ers two weeks ago raised questions about how high their ceiling really is, though. They answered some of them with Sunday’s bounce-back win over the Titans. However, it was a non-conference opponent and a home game. Now, the Panthers need to prove they can beat an NFC contender on the road. Scoring an upset in Green Bay would send a message to the rest of the league that this team is a legitimate threat rather than a paper tiger.
Kyle Allen’s first visit to Lambeau FIeld
Allen told the media this week he grew up in Milwaukee as a Packers fan – although he admits he never has been to a game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay is not as tough as the 49ers, but Allen needs to keep his composure and not get rattled if things go wrong like they did two weeks ago in Santa Clara. That was more the exception than the rule, though. Allen has played with poise this year for the most part. Fumbles were an issue for him early this season (he had six in his first three starts) but has since cleaned it up. The weather will make ball security all the more important, so Allen has to take extra care to avoid turnovers.
Christian McCaffrey’s ongoing excellence
By now you know McCaffrey is having one of the most sensational seasons any running back has ever had. He’s currently in a tight race with Dalvin Cook for the league lead in yards from scrimmage. Going into Week 10, he has 12 more than Cook despite playing one less game. McCaffrey has also scored 13 total touchdowns already, good for first in the league. This is another golden opportunity for McCaffrey to pad his historic numbers. The Packers have allowed 127.7 rushing yards per game this year and are ranked No. 26 in rush defense DVOA. The cold could be another factor in his favor.
