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Vikings vs. Panthers - NFL Week 4 Preview

In a matchup that features two winless teams, the stage is set for an exciting showdown at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. As NFL Week 4 approaches, the Minnesota Vikings and the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a clash that promises to deliver thrilling action.

Vikings vs. Panthers Betting Pick

The Minnesota Vikings enter this contest as 4-point favorites, and they are determined to secure their third consecutive victory over the Carolina Panthers. On the other side, the Panthers find themselves as +165 moneyline underdogs in a matchup that comes with a total of 45.5 points on the line.

Vikings' Tough Start

The Vikings had a rough start to the season, with a disappointing 0-3 record both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS). Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers in a closely contested game that ended 28-24. It was a game of back-and-forth, and the Vikings missed a golden opportunity to notch their first win of the season.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins put up an impressive performance, completing 32 of his 50 passing attempts for 367 yards and three touchdowns. However, he also threw a costly red-zone interception during the Vikings' final drive. The Vikings and the Chargers both amassed a total of 475 yards, with the Vikings gaining 130 rushing yards from 24 carries. Alexander Mattison led the ground attack with 20 carries for 93 yards, while Justin Jefferson showcased his skills with seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Despite the rocky start, wide receiver Justin Jefferson remains a standout player, accumulating 458 yards and two touchdowns on 27 receptions over the first three weeks of the season.

Vikings' Offensive Stats

The Vikings' offense is putting up an average of 23.0 points per game, ranking tied-15th in the NFL. They have excelled in passing, averaging 339.7 passing yards per game (2nd), but their rushing game has struggled, ranking 31st with 66.3 rushing yards per game. Defensively, the Vikings have been allowing 27.3 points per game (26th) along with 261.7 passing yards (25th) and 120.7 rushing yards (19th). The defense has managed only six sacks and 12 quarterback hits, along with ten tackles for loss (TFL) and an opposing quarterback rating of 116.4.

Carolina Panthers

On the other hand, the Carolina Panthers are also seeking their first win of the season. In Week 3, they faced the Seattle Seahawks and came up short, falling 37-27. The Panthers failed to cover a 4.5-point spread, allowing the Seahawks to score 25 points in the second half. Seattle outgained Carolina 425-378 in total yards, and the Panthers struggled on the ground, managing just 44 rushing yards from 14 attempts.

Quarterback Bryce Young was sidelined due to an ankle injury, so Andy Dalton stepped in and threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Adam Thielen had a standout performance with 11 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown. DJ Chark added to the receiving game with four catches for 86 yards and a TD, while Miles Sanders contributed with nine carries for 24 yards and a touchdown, along with five receptions for 38 yards.

Panthers' Offensive Stats

The Panthers' offense is averaging 18.0 points per game, ranking 24th in the NFL. They have gained an average of 200.0 passing yards per game (22nd) and 99.3 rushing yards per game (18th). Defensively, the Panthers have allowed an average of 27.0 points per game (25th), 192.3 passing yards (9th), and 136.7 rushing yards (27th). The defense has recorded ten sacks and 19 quarterback hits while holding opposing signal-callers to an 84.8 rating.

Prediction