NFL Week 12 Pick: Can the Raiders cover at home against the Panthers?

Panthers vs. Raiders Pick

The Oakland Raiders look to pick up another win when they host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 4:25PM ET.

According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Raiders are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -3 points against the Panthers. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 49.5 points. Carolina has won and covered the spread in two straight meetings with the Raiders.

Bet on Panthers vs. Raiders

Oakland has won four straight coming into this game to move to 8-2 on the season. The Raiders just picked up a 27-20 win over the Texans in Mexico, covering in the process. Oakland is now 7-3 against the spread, covering in four straight. The Raiders are averaging 27.2 points and 398 yards per game on offense. Derek Carr is having an MVP-like type season with 2,800 passing yards and 20 touchdowns with just four interceptions. The Oakland run game has 1,180 yards and 11 touchdowns on the year, led by Latavius Murray, who has 426 yards and eight scores. Amari Cooper has caught 62 passes for 900 yards and three scores. Defensively, Oakland is giving up 24.3 points and 402.3 yards per game. They have forced 17 turnovers, led by five from Reggie Nelson.

Carolina is trying to make a push back into the playoff picture, winning three of its last four to move to 4-6 on the year. Despite the winning lately, the Panthers are just 1-6-1 against the spread in their last eight games and are now 2-7-1 ATS on the season. Carolina’s defense has been disappointing this year, giving up 24.6 points and 371.9 yards per game. They really struggle against the pass, allowing 290 yards per game. Luke Kuechly suffered a concussion last week and is now unlikely to play this week. Offensively, Carolina is averaging 24.4 points and 371.4 yards per game. Cam Newton has thrown for 2,186 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 268 yards and four scores. Greg Olsen has been his leading receiver with 54 catches for 745 yards and three touchdowns.

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Carolina has been playing well lately, but the Panthers have to travel to Oakland to face a Raiders team that has been very competitive. Oakland’s passing attack should be able to expose this Carolina defense, especially without their captain on the field. The Carolina offense could be competitive with Oakland, but I don’t think it can match the Raiders score-for-score.

 

NFL WEEK 12 PICK: OAKLAND RAIDERS -3