Panthers vs Patriots Betting Odds - New England's season unwinding quickly

Panthers vs Patriots betting odds are crucial for New England, which has lost three of its last four games. Bill Belichick has been oddly "off" this season, and a handful of his decisions have cost the Patriots wins. Now returning to the comfy confines of Gillette Stadium, should sports betting fans back the Patriots, or can the Panthers' strong ground game pull off the upset?

Panthers vs Patriots betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Patriots are dovetailing, having lost three of their past four games. Last week's 22-21 defeat to Miami was especially brutal, as it allowed the Dolphins to creep within one game of the AFC East lead. Securing home-field advantage in the playoffs is no longer concerned - New England has to worry about making the playoffs, period.

Carolina snapped a two-game losing streak with an ugly 16-6 win over the Buccaneers. The Panthers simply haven't lived up to expectations after a nice 2008 campaign. Jake Delhomme has been replaced at quarterback by Matt Moore, though there isn't enough time to salvage this season.

Panthers vs Patriots betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
With Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Randy Moss in the fold, the Patriots can score in a hurry, but their offense has been rather lackluster in the second halves of games lately. New England has scored just 24 second-half points in its last three games. That number simply must improve if New England plans on winning the East.

The Panthers are absolutely helpless when it comes to throwing the ball. Neither Jake Delhomme nor Matt Moore is an NFL-caliber quarterback. For now, the offensive burden lies with the running game; DeAngelo Williams and Jon Stewart lead the NFL's third-ranked rushing attack.

Betting Edge: Patriots

Panthers vs Patriots betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
New England's defense has been exposed in recent weeks, allowing 35 points to Indy, 38 to the Saints and 22 to Miami (including the winning field goal with a minute left). Chad Henne threw for 335 yards, besting his career high of 241. That's a microcosm of New England's overall problem: it can't stop the pass.

The Panthers are very solid at stopping the pass, though the numbers are a little misleading. Carolina ranks 24th in sacks this season with just 23; while they haven't given up much pass yardage, it's mostly because teams prefer to run on them instead. The Panthers have been shredded on the ground this season.

Betting Edge: Even

Panthers vs Patriots betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Delhomme is out with broken fingers, though he would have been on the bench anyway. DeAngelo Williams didn’t play for Carolina last week but should return against New England. New England has bumps and bruises across the board but shouldn't be missing anyone of significance this week.

Betting Edge: Even

Panthers vs Patriots betting odds for total: 44
The Patriots have given few indications lately that they can get the job done defensively, and Carolina is in a similar spot. The Panthers should have solid success running the football - despite their one-dimensional attack - and New England will score its fair share of points (though most will probably come in the first half). Take the over at the sportsbook.

Pick: UNDER 44

Panthers vs Patriots betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Traditionally, bettors could count on Bill Belichick to right the ship in New England, but he's been strangely prone to mistakes this season. That said, New England's glaring weakness on defense is containing the pass - something that won't be an issues against Carolina. It doesn't hurt that New England is 6-0 at home, either. Bet on the Pats.

STAN'S PICK: Patriots -13.5

Analysis on Week 14 NFL matchups, including Panthers vs Patriots, can be found in the football section of the Betting Edge.