Minnesota @ Carolina
Current Records: Minnesota 2-3; Carolina 3-2
What to KnowAfter a three-game homestand, the Minnesota Vikings will be on the road. They will take on the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The Vikings should still be riding high after a victory, while Carolina will be looking to get back in the win column.
Minnesota squeaked by the Detroit Lions by less than a field goal, winning 19-17. Minnesota can attribute much of their success to RB Alexander Mattison, who picked up 113 yards on the ground on 25 carries in addition to snatching one receiving TD. Mattison had some trouble finding his footing against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago, so this was a step in the right direction.
Special teams collected 13 points for Minnesota. K Greg Joseph booted in four field goals, the longest a 55-yarder in the fourth quarter, which ultimately accounted for the difference in the contest.
Speaking of close games: it was close but no cigar for Carolina as they fell 21-18 to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. QB Sam Darnold had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: despite one touchdown, he threw three interceptions with only 4.78 yards per passing attempt.
Most of the squad's points came courtesy of special teams, which contributed ten. K Zane Gonzalez delivered a perfect 3-for-3 game.
This next matchup is expected to be close, with the Vikings going off at just a 2.5-point favorite. But bettors beware: they are 0-2 against the spread when favored.
Minnesota's win brought them up to 2-3 while the Panthers' loss pulled them down to a reciprocal 3-2. A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: Minnesota ranks second in the league when it comes to sacks, with 17 on the season. As for Carolina, they come into the game boasting the fewest passing yards allowed per game in the NFL at 184.6.
How To Watch When: Sunday at 1 p.m. ET Where: Bank of America Stadium -- Charlotte, North Carolina TV: FOX Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Follow: CBS Sports App Ticket Cost: $48.00 OddsThe Vikings are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Panthers, according to the latest NFL odds.
The line on this game has moved quite a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Panthers as a 1-point favorite.
Over/Under: -109
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Series HistoryMinnesota have won two out of their last three games against Carolina.
Nov 29, 2020 - Minnesota 28 vs. Carolina 27
