[4:25 PM] Panthers @ Raiders

Who will WIN this matchup?

Carolina Panthers (4-6)

@ Oakland Raiders (8-2)

 

• The Raiders claimed the top spot in their division with a convincing triumph over Denver in Week 9 but were idle the following week, and it showed against Houston in Mexico City on Monday night, when the club was forced to rally from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to extend its winning streak. Derek Carr threw a pair of long touchdown passes during the comeback, including a decisive 35-yarder to Amari Cooper with less than five minutes remaining, to complete a three-TD performance and raise his season total to 20 against only four interceptions.

• Carolina is bringing up the rear in the NFC South but trails first-place Atlanta by only two games as it seeks its fourth victory in five contests since its bye week. The Panthers have not played since last Thursday, when they scored 20 consecutive points and withstood a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt by New Orleans to pull out a 23-20 triumph.

• Carolina’s defense took a major hit in last week’s victory as linebacker Luke Kuechly entered the league’s concussion protocol while cornerback Leonard Johnson (chest) and defensive end Mario Addison (foot) also exited with injuries. Kuechly recorded 14 tackles against the Saints and has registered a league-high 693 since 2012. Center Ryan Kalil (shoulder) was a casualty on the offensive line and, along with Addison, is questionable to face Oakland.

• Two key members of the offense were not full participants in Wednesday’s practice as receiver Michael Crabtree and running back Latavius Murray were limited due to ankle injuries. Carr threw his first interception since Oct. 16 on the first play of the second half on Monday, ending his streak of 170 consecutive passes without a pick. The third-year quarterback has been outstanding in his last three meetings with teams from the NFC South, throwing for 1,131 yards with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions for a 111.6 rating.

• Oakland DE Khalil Mack has recorded eight of the team’s league-low 15 sacks this season.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Oakland Raiders

Confidence: 4/10

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