New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers: Preview and Prediction

Prediction: Panthers 35, Giants 24

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) does the dab dance after the Panthers score a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

I won’t be surprised if the Giants pull out the upset this week, but I don’t think it will happen. The Panthers are more superior defensively and Cam Newton is playing like the MVP he’ll be at seasons end.

The good news for Giants’ fans is that they always seem to play up to their competition, such as when played the (at the time) undefeated Patriots in tight game that they should have won. The bad part is that the 2015 Giants are a two man show, while the Panthers have answers for both of them.

The only way the Giants will emerge as winners is if the good Eli Manning shows up and if Odell Beckham JR can avoid being placed on the list of receivers shut down by Josh Norman.

I also think the Giants have to win the turnover battle. Surprisingly, both the Panthers and Giants have the exact same number of turnovers this season with 15, with the exact same number of interceptions with 10 and lost fumbles with 5. Despite being only 6-7, the Giants are very impressive in turnover ratio, ranked third in the NFL while Carolina is third.

But if Beckham or Manning struggles, New York is done.

The Panthers have scored 27 or more points in 11 straight games, and Cam Newton will most likely roast the Giants’ secondary. Eli won’t be able to respond due to the fact that their offense is one dimensional, and the Panthers have an excellent defense that has the ability to stop it.

Unless the Giants can pull off a miracle, they’ll be a desperate 6-8 entering Week 16.