NFL Football
2012-12-02 - Carolina Panthers at Kansas City Chiefs
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NFL Football
Sunday 2 December 2012 - Kick Off 1pm
6pm (British Time)
Preview
This isn't about a football game, but it is about understanding the sad situation that affected the Kansas City Chiefs (1-10) on Saturday morning as their Linebacker Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend and then committed suicide in front of the Head Coach and General Managers of Kansas City, Romeo Crennel and Scott Pioli.
It is a situation that is very hard to understand and one that makes this game a secondary concern for Kansas City, although they have announced that they will be playing this game. The Carolina Panthers (3-8) were told they should travel on Saturday as would have been planned and the game goes ahead.
Obviously my thoughts go out to the Belcher family, particularly the 3 month old child that has lost both parents.
Cam Newton was back on form on Monday Night Football as he led the Panthers to just their third win of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles and I expect him to continue where he left off here. Newton should have some joy through the air, but the Offensive Line has struggled and I expect the Panthers to lean on their running game to avoid being in long yardage situations as much as possible.
The Panthers should have some success pounding the ball as Kansas City have allowed over 125 yards per game on the ground and have given 4.5 yards per clip. With Newton's ability to scramble with the ball, I do feel Carolina will be able to move the chains in this contest with some consistency.
That means Brady Quinn will have to match Cam Newton and I have little faith in him as a Quarter Back to start in the NFL. While the Panthers have struggled through the air at times this season, they have a pass rush that will disrupt Quinn, particularly behind this shaky Offensive Line and I would not be surprised if we see a turnover or two in this one.
It could be a good thing for the Chiefs to not rely on Quinn though as the Panthers certainly struggle to stop the run. They are giving up 4.5 yards per carry and I expect Peyton Hillis and Jamaal Charles will have a lot of success as long as the Chiefs keep this game close.
If Carolina load the box and dare Quinn to beat them, I think they will likely have more joy in this game.
Head to Head
Being in opposite Conferences means the Kansas City Chiefs and the Carolina Panthers do not meet often and this will only be the 5th ever meeting.
The Panthers have won the last 2 games in the series, including a win at Arrowhead in 2004.
Prediction
What will be the mentality of the Kansas City Chiefs players after the events of Saturday morning- I would hazard a guess that they will not have any thoughts of playing football as most people are asking 'why' the tragic events unfolded and they won't be motivated.
I read up a situation with the Washington Redskins when Sean Taylor was murdered (that was 5 years ago last week) and the fact that they couldn't perform and were beaten as a 6 point favourite.
Carolina are not a great team, but they have more about them and I think they will end up taking the game comfortably in what will be a sad day in Kansas City.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Kansas City Chiefs 10-24 Carolina Panthers
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
I'll take the Carolina Panthers - 3.5 Points @ 1.92
