Bills at Panthers Pick
Fresh off their Week 6 victories, the Buffalo Bills will square off against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte on Sunday at 4:05PM ET.
The Bills pulled off a 16-13 upset in overtime last Sunday as a 9.5-point underdog. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald replaced starter Trent Edwards (who suffered an injury) and went on to throw for 116 yards and a touchdown in the win. Lee Evans also hauled in four passes for 68 yards and a touchdown.
The Panthers improved to 2-3 on the season with their 28-21 win over the Buccaneers as a 3-point favorite in Week 6. DeAngelo Williams rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries, while Jonathan Stewart rushed for 101 yards and a score on 17 carries.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Panthers 7-point favorites over the Bills on Sunday. The over/under total for this game has been set at 37 points.
Both teams have some momentum coming into this game, although the Panthers still hold some distinct advantages. While Jake Delhomme continues to be brutal and Steve Smith is starting to get frustrated with his role in the offense, Carolina’s running game should take this game over.
Buffalo has been brutal against the run this season, so Williams and Stewart should find plenty of running room to operate. As long as John Fox and his coaching staff don’t get cute with their playcalling, the Panthers should be fine.
While the point spread is a little high for our liking (we don’t like giving up seven points with a very average-to-below-average Panthers team), the Bills will be in unfamiliar territory and a win would get Carolina back into contention at 3-3. The Panthers should cover.
Our NFL Week 7 Free Pick for this matchup is: CAROLINA PANTHERS -7 and OVER 37.
Bills at Panthers Current Odds
429 Buffalo Bills +7 (+255 moneyline) Over 37
430 Carolina Panthers –7 (-310 moneyline) Under 37
Buffalo is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Buffalo is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Carolina is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Buffalo Bills |
||
Trent Edwards |
QB |
Out Week 7 (head) |
Bryan Scott |
S |
Out Week 7 (ankle) |
Jonathan Scott |
T |
Out Week 7 (ankle) |
Donte Whitner |
S |
Out Week 7 (ankle) |
Shawn Nelson |
TE |
Doubtful Week 7 (illness) |
Kyle Williams |
DT |
Questionable Week 7 (shoulder) |
Chris Kelsay |
DE |
Probable Week 7 (eye) |
Terrence McGee |
CB |
Probable Week 7 (knee) |
Carolina Panthers |
||
Thomas Davis |
LB |
Questionable Week 7 (hamstring) |
Na’il Diggs |
LB |
Questionable Week 7 (rib) |
Brad Hoover |
RB |
Questionable Week 7 (back) |
Rhys Lloyd |
K |
Questionable Week 7 (right ankle) |
Jonathan Stewart |
RB |
Questionable Week 7 (achilles) |
Posted: 10/25/09 2:35PM ET