Panthers vs Giants betting – battle for NFC’s No. 1 seed
Online betting: New York favored by a field goal
- WHO: Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (-3)
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, December 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
- KEY STATS: Carolina has won three of its last four meetings with New York
- PICK: New York Giants
Sports wagering players will have their hands full while picking through their offshore sportsbook this weekend, especially in the NFC where a huge NFL betting matchup is scheduled to take place. The defending Super Bowl champions from New York will be aiming for home-field advantage and a first-round bye this Sunday when they take on Carolina, and Panthers vs Giants odds have the home team as a three-point favorite.
The Panthers (11-3) held the NFL’s No. 2 offense to only 279 yards in a 30-10 rout of Denver at home, but Carolina didn’t just shine on the defensive end of the field.
Jake Delhomme was 17-of-26 for 253 yards, a touchdown and a pick, while Steve Smith caught nine passes for 165 yards and a major for the Panthers. Carolina has been praised for its running game lately, but with an elite player like Smith, it wouldn’t hurt to keep feeding him the ball as much as possible. He certainly helps Carolina with regard to the Panthers vs Giants spread.
The Giants (11-3) couldn’t get anything going on offense in a 20-8 loss at Dallas, gaining only 218 yards in total. Eli Manning had an awful game, going 18-of-35 for 191 yards and two picks, and New York couldn’t get its No. 2-ranked ground game into gear. Manning was also sacked eight times, which is a rarity behind his usually-stout offensive line.
The Panthers vs Giants line might have been quite different a few weeks ago, but New York has hit the skids thanks to a rash of injuries on offense, including the loss of stalwart receiver Plaxico Burress.
Panthers vs Giants odds give New York a three-point betting edge at home. The Giants’ 27-13 win in Carolina in 2006 ended a three-game losing skid to the Panthers. Both teams are ranked in the Top-10 in defense and in the Top-12 in total offense, so they match up really well together.
This game will go down to the wire, and the Giants are praying running back Brandon Jacobs will be healthy enough to go after missing the Dallas game.
STAN’S PICK: All three of Carolina’s losses have come away from home, which is a bad sign against a team that is 6-1 at home. Bet online with the New York Giants to snatch the top spot in the NFC en route to their title defense.
For more offshore sportsbook odds and Panthers vs Giants betting as we roll into the playoffs, bookmark The Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
