Giants vs. Panthers: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

The Carolina Panthers host the New York Giants this Sunday, and one team will leave Bank of America Stadium with an 0-3 record to begin the 2013 season. 

Both teams lost their first two games and are in danger of falling apart at the seams with a third loss to open up the new year. 

The Panthers are a few key plays away from being 2-0 to start the season, but critical mistakes continue to plague this team that always seems to be just a few plays away from winning big games. 

Three years into the Cam Newton project, and we've yet to see him emerge as an elite passer. He continues to make rookie mistakes, and he's lucky he only has one interception on the year. 

At least the Panthers have been competitive, however.

The same can't be said for New York, which has been laughably putrid through two games this season. Eli Manning has thrown seven interceptions, and Giants running backs have developed a bad case of fumblitis.

Regardless of how they got here, though, both teams are desperate for a win this week. Here's what you need to know about this upcoming contest.

When: Sunday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. ET

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. 

Watch: FOX

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Bovada) 

• Over/Under: 47 pts.
• Spread: Carolina (-2)

Giants Injury Report (via NFL.com) 

David Diehl	T	Thumb	Did Not Participate in Practice	Out
Adrien Robinson	TE	Foot	Did Not Participate in Practice	Out
Ryan Nassib	QB	Ankle	Limited Participation in Practice	Probable
Corey Webster	CB	Hip	Did Not Participate in Practice	Doubtful
Brandon Mosley	G	Back	Limited Participation in Practice	Probable
Hakeem Nicks	WR	Not Injury Related	Did Not Participate in Practice	Probable

Panthers Injury Report (via NFL.com) 

Kenjon Barner	RB	Foot	Out (Definitely Will Not Play)	Out
Quintin Mikell	S	Ankle	Out (Definitely Will Not Play)	Out
Josh Norman	CB	Thigh	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Josh Thomas	CB	Concussion	Out (Definitely Will Not Play)	Out
Dwan Edwards	DT	Thigh	Did Not Participate in Practice	Questionable
Ben Hartsock	TE	Foot	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
D.J. Moore	CB	Knee	Out (Definitely Will Not Play)	Out
Jon Beason	LB	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
Mike Tolbert	RB	Knee	Full Participation in Practice	Probable
James Dockery	CB	Thumb	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable
Thomas Davis	LB	Tibia	Full Participation in Practice	Probable

Can Carolina Win the Turnover Battle?

The Panthers should win this game at home. The Giants are on the ropes and should be outmatched at the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense. 

But if the Panthers can't force Eli Manning into a turnover or three, he'll be able to score enough points to win the game. With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz both playing well, combined with the emergence of tight end Brandon Meyers, the Giants can move the ball against most defenses.

On offense, Cam Newton must find a way to play like a first-round quarterback. Even if that means he breaks out of the pocket and makes plays with his legs, he must move the chains and rally his offense while also taking care of the football. 

If Newton can start to play up to his potential, and if his defensive teammates force Manning into a few turnovers, then Carolina will roll at home. 

Prediction

This is a tough game to predict, because both teams are so unpredictable. 

If Newton plays like he's capable, the Panthers are not only fun to watch, but they're also a darn good football team. 

Luke Kuechly leads one of the most exciting young defenses in the league. Pass-rushers Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy have a couple of stud rookies in Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short helping them out, and this front seven can absolutely shut down the line of scrimmage.

The Giants have the veteran leadership to pull out of their current funk, but after so many injuries, one wonders if the team has the players to finish the job. 

Final Score 

Panthers win 27-21

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