Week 8 Picks and Preview
Carolina VS Atlanta
Carolina lost a heartbreaker to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and now have a quick turnaround against the lowly Falcons on Thursday night. Let’s be clear, “lowly” refers to their 1-6 record and their absolute refusal to stop opposing offenses. Their own offense however, has kept them in the game most weeks. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley are all healthy and ready to go which could spell trouble for the Panthers defense. Carolina is second worst in the league when it comes to getting off the field on 3rd down and it’s an area they’ll have to improve if they want to pick up a much needed win against Atlanta.
The Panthers continue to be shorthanded all over the defense, and continued to thin the herd at corner by releasing Eli Apple. The defense has not been good, but they are tough and improving. Carolina will only need a couple stops from this group as the offense should have their way with the Falcons. Teddy Bridgewater is coming off one of his best games of the season and should have his full compliment of receivers and possibly the return of all pro RB Christian McCaffrey. CMC has been designated to return and the Panthers have until 4PM Thursday to activate him for this week. Coach Rhule indicated it would be a long shot but he’d like to have the versatile back available. Even if he’s not, Carolina should be able to out score a Falcons team who has already mailed it in for this year.
What to Watch
Panthers Protection: Russell Okung is doubtful and will likely be replaced by Greg Little once again. Backups Tyler Larsen and Michael Schofield remain on the Covid-19/Reserve list so the Panthers offensive line will be on thin ice Thursday night. If they can stay healthy and hold up in protection the Panthers should get back in the win column.
Baltimore VS Pittsburgh
Combined 11-1 records, AFC North supremacy on the line, Yannick Ngakoue’s debut, league’s best secondary vs. one of the top WR corps, future HoF QB and the reigning MVP, you couldn’t ask for a bigger or better matchup than the Ravens and Steelers. Baltimore’s defense is stacked front to back and even deadlier now with the addition of Ngakoue, who will hopefully lead to more pressure with less blitzing, but that unit will have their hands full with the Steelers plethora of weapons. It’s going to be extremely tough to get to Ben as he has the fastest time to throw in the league (2.29s) and on average his completions are less than 5 yards from the LoS. With this being the case the Ravens focus will have to be on limiting YAC, so they’ll be relying on good position and sound tackling to get the Steelers off the field.
For Baltimore it’s all on Lamar. He’ll have to make plays with his arm and legs to keep the Ravens offense moving and get some points on the board. He’s going to need Brown and Andrews to show up and would certainly benefit from Duvernay playing more than his usual share of snaps. If Baltimore can take an early lead they need to channel the spirit of their 2019 offense and pound the ball with Lamar and their RBs. Coming off their bye with the Steelers having played a tough game against the Titans last week, the Ravens should have the advantage when it comes to health and prep.
What to Watch
Pass Protection: Baltimore’s offensive line has done a poor job protecting Lamar this season, there’s no way around that. The Steelers lead the league in sacks and routinely capitalize on the pressure they create in the pocket. T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Stephon Tuitt and company will have to be slowed down considerably if the Ravens want a chance to reclaim their spot atop the division.
Week 8 Picks (will be updated Sunday)
Brodny (69-35-1)- Panthers Pitt LAR KC GB Detroit LV Tenn Buffalo LAC NO Seattle Philly TB
Jose (67-37-1)- Panthers Ravens Rams KC GB Detroit LV Tenn Buffalo LAC NO Seattle Philly TB
Eric (53-37-1)- Panthers Ravens BIlls Titans Raiders Lions Packers KC Rams Denver Bears Seattle Philly Tampa
Jansen (73-31-1)- Panthers Bills Titans Raiders Colts Packers Chiefs Rams Steelers Chargers Saints Seahawks Eagles Bucs
Brandi (55-35-1)- Panthers Pats Ravens Titans Chiefs Packers Bears Seahawks Eagles
Raiders Rams Colts Broncos Bucs