Thursday NFL: Panthers at Steelers Pick
With just two games remaining on the schedule, it appears the Carolina Panthers are planning for the end.
Head coach John Fox has had his resume ready since Week 5, and receiver Steve Smith is pondering his next move after having the worst season of his standout NFL career. The front office is already sizing up first-round draft picks, with the team’s 2-12 record making it the frontrunner to nab college’s most-prized player.
It seems in the middle of all this year-end housekeeping, the Panthers have somehow overlooked the fact that they’re coming off a rare win – something that has only happened twice this season – and face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. That lack of focus, and concern, is a big reason why Bodog Sportsbook are giving Carolina 14.5 points in Week 16.
The Panthers managed to give the home fans something to cheer about last Sunday, defeating the equally-as-sad Arizona Cardinals, 19-12, as 2.5-point favorites. It was also just the fourth time Carolina has covered the spread this year.
Running back Jonathan Stewart exploded for 137 yards rushing on 27 carries, while rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen passed for 141 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he kept a clean sheet in the interception department for just the fourth time this season.
Bettors should expect similar numbers from the Steelers this Thursday. They will lean heavily on running back Rashard Mendenhall, who rushed for 100 yards and a score against the Jets last weekend, and round out the attack with steady play from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He passed for 264 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh’s 22-17 loss to New York as 3.5-point faves last Sunday.
With both teams pounding the ground Thursday, a close look at the UNDER would be a sharp play. Bodog Sportsbook have the total set at 37 points, which is the lowest number on the Week 16 board. The Panthers have posted a 6-7-1 over/under record, while the Steelers are 6-8 over/under on the year.
Add to that a forecast that’s calling for snow flurries, winds of up to 15 mph, and game-time temperatures in the high teens. With the cold Pittsburgh winter slowing down the Panthers, you can probably add “making vacation plans” to the list of things, other than football, that are concerning Carolina right now.