Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The undefeated Carolina Panthers (13-0) hope to stay perfect and avoid the upset bug Sunday when they visit the New York Giants (6-7). The Panthers have typically finished the season strong when favored down the stretch, going 14-5-1 against the spread in their previous 20 games under that scenario during the month of December.

Point spread: Panthers opened as four-point favorites; the total was 49 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 31.3-18.1 Panthers

Why the Panthers can cover the spread

Carolina seems to be a team of destiny right now, with no opponent left on the schedule a legitimate threat to the team’s potential unbeaten regular season. The Panthers are 8-0 SU and 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight Week 15 games and made their move to take the NFC South a year ago around this time with four consecutive wins in December.

While running back Jonathan Stewart may miss the game due to a foot injury, per the Charlotte Observer's Jonathan Jones, this team has proven to be resourceful and had other players step up when needed. Carolina was able to rest both Stewart and tight end Greg Olsen (knee) in the second half of last week’s 38-0 rout of the Atlanta Falcons. Olsen is expected to play at New York, per Jones.

Why the Giants can cover the spread

The Giants are a never-say-die team that always seems to be at their best when counted out. Last Monday night’s 31-24 road victory against the Miami Dolphins as two-point favorites is the perfect example. They trailed Miami by a touchdown on two different occasions yet ended up winning by a touchdown and covering the spread.

New York quarterback Eli Manning remains one of the most clutch players in the NFL, backing it up again with his performance versus the Dolphins. Manning completed 27 of 31 passes for 337 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Two of the touchdown passes went to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who had seven receptions for 166 yards and continues to be arguably the toughest player to cover in the league.

Smart pick

Of the three opponents the Panthers have yet to play, the Giants are the most dangerous because they have won two Super Bowls with Manning and head coach Tom Coughlin. One of those Super Bowl victories came against an 18-0 New England Patriots team, so Coughlin obviously knows how to put together an effective game plan, limiting strengths and taking advantage of weaknesses.

Expect New York’s defense to make Carolina quarterback Cam Newton look mortal and help cover the spread.

Betting trends

The total has gone over in four of the Giants' last five games at home.

The Panthers are 8-0 SU and 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games in Week 15.

The Panthers are 14-5-1 ATS in their last 20 games as favorites in December.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.