Vikings Panthers Betting – Ponder, Vikings Clash With Newton, Panthers This Sunday

After losing three straight including back-to-back defeats at the hands of division rivals, it had to feel good for the Carolina Panthers to get back in the win column at home in a 30-23 win over the Washington Redskins last weekend. Rookie quarterback Cam Newton threw for 256 and rushed for 59 more with a pair of scores to help the Panthers end their slide, and now they get the chance to go for consecutive sports betting home wins for the first time as they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers

The Vikings understand slow starts, and are hoping a rookie quarterback of their own can be the spark that helps turn their season around. Minnesota does have weapons on both sides of the ball, but too many holes have led to five losses through their first seven games. Christian Ponder will make his second NFL start, and while a particular teammate of his might be hoping for the worst, Vikings’ fans will be hoping for a win.

NFL Betting Preview: Minnesota Vikings

There have been rumors swirling around Vikings’ camp that backup quarterback Donovan McNabb is unhappy with the team’s decision to go with Ponder, but it’s hard to argue against the 219 yards and two touchdown passes he threw against the defending Super Bowl champions in a loss that was much closer than many expected it to be. Ponder did however throw two interceptions and was sacked twice, but he should be a little more comfortable in the pocket against the Carolina defense. Running back Adrian Peterson had another huge game against Green Bay with 175 yards and a touchdown, and should get plenty of touches against the Panthers’ 31st ranked run defense.

NFL Betting Preview: Carolina Panthers

While everybody expected Carolina to run the ball a ton this season, it is Newton and the passing game that has been the big surprise with an average of 297.8 yards per game through the air, the fifth-best mark in the NFL. That’s not to say that the tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart haven’t done well with a combined average of five yards per carry, but the focus point of the offense is undoubtedly Newton and that matches up well against Minnesota. The biggest problem for Carolina hasn’t been their ability to move the ball, but rather their inability to stop opposing offenses, with at least 28 points allowed in each of their five online wagering losses this season.

NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

While the Vikings won’t contend for a playoff spot this season, they still do have some notable talents, and Ponder’s name could be added to that list soon if he continues to progress. Minnesota will run the ball early and often to help open things up for their rookie quarterback to go over the top, and although all eyes will be on Newton heading in to this game, Ponder could be the guy that spoils the party in Carolina.