Chargers Game Day: Carolina Panthers – Week 14
Both the San Diego Chargers and Carolina Panthers had any semblance of the playoffs essentially erased with losses last week. San Diego fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Seattle embarrassed Carolina in prime time.
Hoping to respond, Sunday provides a unique challenge as both teams will be playing for pride. Quarterback Philip Rivers will be making his return to the state of North Carolina, where he played college football, playing in his first game since 2003. If the Chargers are going to have any success against a defense likely to have Luke Kuechly back, Rivers will need to perform well.
2016 SEASON: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (5-7) vs. CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-8)
KICKOFF: 1:00 PM EST (10:00 AM PST)
TV: FOX
LOCATION: BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM
WEATHER: 46 degrees, 50% humidity, SE 6mph wind, 0% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 31-7, CAR – Dec. 16, 2012
AROUND COVER32
QB Rankings: The QB position is as strong as it’s ever been
Power Rankings: The Cowboys remain king
Week 14 Picks: Who’s going to nab a big win this weekend?
NFL Mailbag: Cam’s Tie, Gronkowski’s Injury, and Prescott’s Play
Chargers News: Injury Report – Week 14
Chargers News: Continued Fall in the NFL Power Rankings
Chargers News: AFC West Review – Week 13
KEY MATCH-UP: QB Philip Rivers (SD) vs. CAR Secondary
Rivers has orchestrated an offense that despite taking on multiple injuries has managed to remain successful to some degree. Losing multiple close games Rivers never pointed fingers and occasionally took the blame himself, when warranted.
The secondary of the Panthers has been improving as the season progressed. So much in fact that the team elected to part ways with both Bene Benwikere and Robert McClain, two cornerbacks who could also play in the nickel position.
Rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley (if cleared) are sure to be tested by Rivers and his deep threat receivers – Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, and Travis Benjamin. Though improved, Rivers and company should find room to work against the young secondary.
Even with the return of Kuechly, the Chargers are battle tested and have been the more resilient of the two teams. Neither is really playing for anything other than pride at this point and last week Carolina lacked just that in Seattle. San Diego wins in Rivers’ return.
PREDICTION: CHARGERS – 31, PANTHERS – 20
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