Packers vs. Panthers: TV Info, Over/Under, Spread and Final Game Predictions

The Green Bay Packers head south to take on the Carolina Panthers, and they're just itching to show rookie quarterback Cam Newton what a real NFL defense can do. 

Newton set the record for most passing yards by a quarterback in his NFL debut with 422. That was against the Arizona Cardinals, who aren't nearly as strong as the Packers. 

Aaron Rodgers is coming off an impressive win of his own, and this really shouldn't be a contest for him. The Packers will score a lot, which means the defense needs to be prepared to be on the field for a while. 

Everyone is waiting to see what Newton does next, which is why this is actually an enticing matchup. With that, let's dig into some specifics about this Week 2 battle. 

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC 

When: Sunday, Sept. 18, 1:00 p.m. ET  

Watch: FOX (check local listings) 

Over/Under 

 According to bodog.com, the over/under is set at 47, which definitely makes you think hard. The Packers have a very high-powered offense as we saw in Week 1, but there's a chance they over-look the lowly Panthers and come out slow.

In the end, I would take the over on this because of Rodgers' ability to spread the ball and put points on the board quickly.

Spread

 The defending Super Bowl champs are favored at -10, and to me this is a no-brainer. Green Bay should easily win this game, and out-score the Panthers by two touchdowns.

There's a chance the Packers start slow, but if Kevin Kolb can throw for over 300 yards on this team then Rodgers won't have any trouble shredding the Panthers secondary.

Key Injuries

The Panthers top linebacker Thomas Davis, who has missed all of last year, was a limited participant in practice this week with a groin injury, and his status is questionable for Sunday's game. Backup corner Josh Thomas has a thigh injury, and he remains probable for Sunday's game.

Green Bay's tight end Jermichael Finley has an ankle injury, but he did practice a little this week and is probable for Sunday's game. Starting corner Tramon Williams injured his shoulder last week, he is questionable for Sunday's game.

Fantasy Big Plays  

Aaron Rodgers is an obvious must start for the Packers, as is Greg Jennings and the Packers talented defense. I would feel good starting any Packer with the exception on Finley. Even if he's given the OK to play Sunday, his production will be limited because he's banged up. 

For the Panthers, even though Newton was one of the top scoring quarterbacks a week ago, it wouldn't be the best decision to start him against such a talented defense. He may not have looked like a rookie last weekend, but he definitely will on Sunday. 

Keys to Packers Win 

Let Aaron Rodgers do what he does best. It was very obvious after Week 1 that the Packers have a ton of talent on their team, and they're going to be tough to beat every week. 

Rodgers will spread the ball out well, and even though it's a road game for the Packers, they shouldn't struggle at all. 

Keys to Panthers Win 

The list could go on and on, but really the number one thing the Panthers have to do to win this game is to be versatile. I understand Newton was very impressive, but placing too much pressure on his young arm in such a big game is not going to work. 

The Packers will do a great job of frustrating Newton, which is why they need be versatile and have a balanced attack. Let DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart run the ball and wear down that Packers defense. Mix the play calling up and be creative because if you can make the Packers over think things they you have a shot at winning.

Prediction 

This might be one of the safest bets of Week 2. Rodgers and company will win this game because they are far and above the Panthers.

Make no mistake about it, Carolina has talent and they're headed in the right direction, but their defense will not be able to keep up with Rodgers. Green Bay is too good to let the worst team from 2010 upset them.

Green Bay 38, Carolina 17