Old North Banter
Fansided

Carolina Panthers: Preview of Carolina vs. Oakland

By Horran Cameron

Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Carolina Panthers (4-6) march into California to face the Oakland Raiders (8-2). The Oakland Raiders have been one of the best NFL teams this season.

The Carolina Panthers struggled earlier this season. Last week, they avenged a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Carolina will have their hands full with Oakland’s Derek Carr. His stats speak for themselves. This season, he has completed 255 of 385 passes for 2,800 yards with 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. His favorite receiver is Amari Cooper, who has caught 62 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns.

Carr’s other main receiving weapon is former 49er, Michael Crabtree. Crabtree has 52 catches for 601 yards and six touchdowns. Carr, Cooper and Crabtree is one of the best quarter and receiver trios in the league. Both receivers are big receivers who are deep threats. Carr can make any throw.

More from Carolina Panthers

Raiders’ running back Latavious Murray heads their ground game. He has rushed 101 times for 426 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite injuries this season, Murray remains poised to net 1,000 yards this season.

This game is a nice statement game for the Panthers. They have several tough games to end this season. Defeating the hot Raiders would be a great sign for this team to make the playoffs.

In addition, next week the Panthers face the Seattle Seahawks. The Raiders are better than the Seahawks. Beating Oakland will elevate Carolina’s play for the rest of the season.

More from Old North Banter

Carolina will be without center Ryan Kalil and linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Carolina’s Cam Newton will face one of the best defenses in the NFL, led by Raiders’ linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack. Panthers’ tight end Greg Olsen and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin will need to step up for Carolina to win this game.

Prediction: Carolina Panthers – 24, Oakland Raiders – 38

Home/Carolina Panthers