Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Two teams going in different directions this year meet in Houston, as the Carolina Panthers (4-9) take on the Houston Texans (10-3).

The Panthers have been one of the highest scoring teams this year, averaging 24 points per game, while Houston comes into this matcup with one of the best defenses in the NFL, only giving up 16 points per contest. 

This will make for an excellent test for rookie quarterback Cam Newton, with the winner of this game being which team’s specialty can win out. 

Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX.  

When: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1:00 PM ET

Watch: FOX 

Betting Line: According to SBGlobal, The Texans are a 6.5-point favorite. You should take the Texans in this game because of their running game. Houston comes into this game with the second best rushing attack in the NFL averaging 152 yards per game, while Carolina comes in with a bad rushing defense that ranks 24th in the NFL allowing teams to gain 129 yards per game.

Over/Under: The over/under is set at 45 points. You should take the under in this game. Even if the Panthers are averaging 24 points per game, they will see one of their lowest point totals of the year against a great Texans defense. 

Who Might Not Play For Carolina: 

TE Greg Olson: Missed practice on Wednesday because of a back injury. His status for Sunday’s game is questionable. 

Who Might Not Play for Houston: 

TE Joel Dreessen: Did not practice on Thursday, however he is expected to play on Sunday. His status for the game is questionable.

WR Andre Johnson: Did not practice on Thursday because of a hamstring injury. His status for Sunday’s game is questionable. 

Fantasy Big Players: 

Houston Texans RB Arian Foster: If you have Foster on your fantasy roster, you have to start him against a Panthers team giving up almost 130 yards per game. Foster will have one of those days against the Panthers where he wins you your fantasy game all by himself. 

Houston Texans RB Ben Tate: Tate has been a great running back to play only if you are in a deep league. However, against a bad rushing defense in the Panthers, you have to start Tate this week. He will get his chances to gain around 100 yards while scoring once. He will not have as big of a day as Foster, but he will still have a very productive day. 

Houston Texans QB T.J. Yates: Yates is only a strong play if you are in a crazy-deep league, or there is no one left on your waiver wire. However, if you do want to take a risk on the Texans QB, he will produce a big game. In his two starts he has thrown a touchdown pass in each one. With the Panthers allowing 22 touchdown passes this year, he has a great chance to throw two to three touchdown passes this week. 

Key to a Carolina Win:

Carolina must shut down Houston’s rushing game. This is how the Texans will defeat the Panthers this week. If they can contain Foster and Tate, they will increase their chances at winning on Sunday.

Carolina must get Newton into a nice rhythm. Houston is in the Top 10 in sacks this year, and will do their best to get after the rookie quarterback. 

Carolina must make Yates defeat them. The rookie is 2-0 on the season, however he has been successful because of a great rushing game. The Panthers must make Yates have more passing attempts than the Texans rushing attempts.  

Key to a Houston Win: 

Houston must mix up their passing defenses. Newton has been good this year, however he is in the top five of the NFL in interceptions. 

Houston must take pressure off of Yates. In those two wins for Yates, he has been expected to not turn the ball over and let the rushing attack win the game. 

Houston must get up early to let their starters rest. This team has gotten by despite their long list of injuries. If they can go up by three or more touchdowns by the start of the fourth quarter, it will allow their starters to rest to prevent injury. 

Prediction: The Panthers have a legit shot in this game if they can take away Houston’s rushing attack. Carolina played Green Bay earlier this year and had the lead at halftime. So despite their 4-9 record they are a good team. 

However, their rushing defense will be their downfall in this game. Houston’s rushing attack will be too much for this young Panthers team to withstand. 

Houston wins this game by double digits and increases their chances at getting the No. 1 Seed in the AFC.

Houston 27 - Carolina 10.

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