Philadelphia Eagles vs Carolina Panthers Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

Philadelphia Eagles vs Carolina Panthers December 8th 2024

With the Panthers at +505 on the money line, the Eagles are the heavy favorites at -708 as they host this week 14 NFC matchup at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 8th. The game, played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, is also being televised on FOX. The Eagles are favored by -12.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 45.5 points. The Panthers’ record is missing, and the Eagles need to add their record as well.

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Carolina vs. Philadelphia Key Information

• Teams: Panthers at Eagles
• Where: Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia
• Date: Sunday, December 8th
• Betting Odds PHI -708 | CAR +505 O/U 45.5

The Panthers Can Win If…

With a 3-9 record, the Panthers sit at the bottom of our power rankings, giving them a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs. Carolina has lost two straight, including a narrow 26-23 defeat to the Buccaneers in week 13. Despite the loss, the Panthers covered the spread as 6.5-point underdogs, bringing their ATS record to 5-7. They have been the underdog in all of their games this season but have covered in four straight.

Carolina’s O/U record stands at 9-3, with the over hitting in two consecutive games. Their matchups have averaged 48.6 points, with an average line of 43. In week 13, the Panthers and Bucs combined for 49 points, surpassing the 46-point line.

Heading into week 14, the Panthers rank 26th in our offensive power rankings, with Bryce Young coming off a 298-yard performance in week 13, where he went 26/46 with one touchdown and no interceptions. Carolina ranks 29th in passing yards per game (187.1) and 15th in passing attempts. They are 26th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversion percentage (34.2%) but have been efficient in the red zone, ranking 10th in the league with a 37.1% conversion rate.

Carolina is also 29th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 18.1, and 29th in yards per game (292.3). They rank 24th in rushing yards per game (105.2) and 23rd in rushing attempts. Chuba Hubbard led the Panthers with 43 rushing yards on 12 carries in week 13, while Adam Thielen had 8 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.

In their most recent game, the Panthers’ defense gave up 236 rushing yards to the Buccaneers, who rushed 39 times and averaged 6.1 yards per attempt. Despite this, the Panthers’ defense was able to force two interceptions and held the Buccaneers to a 16.7% third-down conversion rate. The Panthers lost the game 26-23, with the Buccaneers finishing with 445 total yards.

In the passing game, the Panthers allowed just 209 yards and one touchdown through the air. They also recorded four sacks and won the tackles for loss battle. However, their inability to stop the run was a key factor in this close defeat.

• Carolina has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). Across this span, their ATS record sits at 3-0 to go along with an over-under mark of 2-1.
• The Panthers have gone 3-7 over their last ten regular season games. Across these games, their ATS record was just 5-5, while posting an over-under record of 8-2.

The Eagles Can Win If…

With their 24-19 win over the Ravens in week 13, the Eagles extended their winning streak to eight games and improved to 10-2 on the season. This run includes a 37-20 victory over the Rams in week 12 and a 26-18 win over the Commanders in week 11. Philadelphia is now 3-0 in division games and 6-2 in conference play, putting them first in the NFC East and second in the conference standings.

Our projections give the Eagles a 97.3% chance of winning the division and a 100% chance of making the playoffs. They rank 5th in our NFL power rankings heading into week 14. Against the spread, Philadelphia is 8-4, including four straight wins. Their O/U record is 5-7, with their games averaging 44.8 points compared to a 46.4-point line.

Heading into week 14, the Eagles are leaning heavily on their run game, leading the NFL in rushing attempts and averaging 188.9 rushing yards per game. Saquon Barkley has been a workhorse, with 23 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown in week 13, following his 255-yard performance in week 12. In the passing game, Jalen Hurts threw for 118 yards and a touchdown in week 13, while A.J. Brown led the team with 5 catches for 66 yards.

Philadelphia ranks 5th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 26.7 points per game (6th in the NFL) and 377.7 yards per game (4th). They are 9th in 3rd-down conversions but have struggled in the red zone, ranking 24th with a 13% conversion rate. The Eagles have also been slow starters, ranking 27th in 1st-quarter scoring.

In their 24-19 win over the Ravens, the Eagles’ defense gave up 166 rushing yards on 32 attempts, including one 100-yard rusher. Despite this, they held Baltimore to just 3-of-10 on third down. The Eagles allowed 372 total yards and 206 passing yards, with Lamar Jackson throwing for two touchdowns. Philadelphia’s defense did come up with three sacks and won the quarterback hit battle by three.

• Spanning across their last three games, Philadelphia have gone 3-0. Against the spread, they have gone 1-2 and logged an over-under record of 1-2 in these games.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Eagles have gone 7-3 straight up. In these matchups, they ended with an ATS record of 4-6 and an over-under mark of 7-3.

The Lean

Our projected final score for this week 14 matchup between the Eagles and Panthers is 32-17 in favor of the Eagles. Despite being heavy underdogs at +12.5, we are actually picking the Eagles to pull off the upset. However, if you are looking to play this one against the spread, our pick is to take the Eagles to cover at home.

For this game, we are leaning towards taking the over, with our projections pointing to a final score of 49 points, surpassing the O/U line of 45.5.

NFL Expert Handicappers

Eagles’ Top-Ranked Defense Poised to Challenge Bryce Young and the Panthers

The Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) enter Week 14 with momentum, boasting a dominant defense and an explosive offense. As they prepare to host the Carolina Panthers (3-9) at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia’s playoff aspirations align with extending their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Panthers aim to prove their potential, led by an improving Bryce Young.

Eagles: A Dominant Force on Both Sides of the Ball

Defensive Powerhouse

The Eagles have been nothing short of spectacular since their bye week, maintaining an undefeated record in the last eight games. During this stretch, the defense has been suffocating, limiting opponents to an average of 15.3 points and 241.3 total yards per game. Their imposing stats include 30 sacks, 12 takeaways, and just six touchdown passes allowed.

Linebacker Zack Baun, in particular, has emerged as a defensive leader. With 118 tackles, Baun has surpassed his career totals from his first four NFL seasons. “We’re playing aggressive, grinding on teams, and wearing them out,” Baun said after their narrow 24-19 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Saquon Barkley: MVP Caliber

Offensively, Saquon Barkley has been the heart of the Eagles’ attack, leading the NFL with 1,499 rushing yards. His performance last week marked his eighth 100-yard game of the season, tying a team record set in 1981. Barkley’s ability to control the clock and consistently deliver big plays has made the Eagles one of the most balanced teams in the league.

Historic Streak

Philadelphia is riding an 8-game winning streak and stands one win away from tying the franchise record for consecutive victories. A win against the Panthers could also secure a playoff spot with additional favorable outcomes elsewhere.

Carolina Panthers: Searching for Growth Amid Struggles

Bryce Young’s Potential Shines

The Panthers have had a challenging season, ranking 30th in scoring (18.1 points per game) and total yardage (292.3 yards per game). However, second-year quarterback Bryce Young has shown signs of development.

Young’s recent stats include a streak of three games without an interception and at least one touchdown pass in five consecutive contests. In last week’s overtime loss to the Buccaneers, Young completed a career-high 26 passes for 298 yards and accounted for two touchdowns, including a late go-ahead TD pass to Adam Thielen.

“His decisiveness and execution have really improved,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. “Bryce is starting to bring everything we work on in practice to life in these critical situations.”

Close Calls Show Resilience

Despite a 1-4 road record, the Panthers have demonstrated resilience. Their last four games have been decided by a combined 10 points, including last week’s 26-23 overtime loss.

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Key Matchup: Eagles’ Defense vs. Panthers’ Offense

The Panthers face the daunting task of going up against the league’s No. 1-ranked defense, which allows just 282.8 yards per game. Philadelphia’s defensive line, backed by their relentless linebackers and secondary, will aim to disrupt Bryce Young and shut down a Panthers offense still finding its rhythm.

Meanwhile, Carolina’s offensive line must provide Young with protection, while playmakers like Thielen and running back Chuba Hubbard need to step up to challenge the Eagles.

Injury Report

Philadelphia Eagles

• DeVonta Smith (hamstring): Full participant; expected to play.
• Darius Slay (concussion): Limited practice status; availability uncertain.
• Key absences: Tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), safeties Reed Blankenship (concussion) and Sydney Brown (knee).

Carolina Panthers

• Jadeveon Clowney (rest/knee): Did not practice; status questionable.
• Limited participation: Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck) and linebackers Josey Jewell (hamstring) and D.J. Wonnum (knee).

Historical Context

The Eagles hold an 8-5 all-time record against the Panthers, including a narrow 21-18 victory in their last meeting in 2021. Philadelphia has historically performed well against Carolina, particularly at home.

Prediction

The Eagles are heavily favored, with their defense likely to dominate Carolina’s struggling offense. While Bryce Young has shown growth, Philadelphia’s defensive depth and Barkley’s offensive consistency will make it tough for the Panthers to keep pace.

Projected Score: Eagles 27, Panthers 13

Conclusion

The matchup between the Eagles and the Panthers represents a clash of two teams in different stages of development. While Philadelphia looks to solidify their playoff position and extend their winning streak, Carolina focuses on building for the future.

For the Eagles, this game is another step toward championship contention. For the Panthers, it’s an opportunity to measure their progress against one of the league’s elite teams.