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Predicting the Final Score of Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings

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Panthers vs. Buccaneers Week 1

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Not the most enticing matchup of Week 13 of the NFL season, yet there are some big storylines heading into Sunday, and none bigger than the fact that the Carolina Panthers are only a half game back of the division leaders in the pathetic NFC South. Heading into Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina will be faced with no easy task.

The Panthers have been one of the most disappointing teams in 2014, after winning their division last season, and earning a first-round bye. Whether he is dealing with injuries or not, Cam Newton has clearly regressed, and with the exception of wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina simply lacks playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

Not only has their offense been bad, but the Panthers’ defense has not been much better. Last season, they were second overall in total defense, yet are ranked 25th in 2014, making it clear that Carolina’s 3-7-1 record is warranted.

The Vikings come in with a better record than Carolina, at 4-7, but are not in much of a position to make a playoff run. With rookie Teddy Bridgewater under center, Minnesota should be content on simply building for the future.

One thing they must do is get receiver Cordarrelle Patterson more involved. He only has 30 receptions for 350 yards and one touchdown, through 11 games, which is completely unacceptable for a player of his talents.

Final Prediction: As bad as Carolina has been all season, I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt, and give it my vote to make some noise in the NFC South. Panthers win 24-20.

Max Zelenko is a Philadelphia Eagles/NFL writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @maxzelenko, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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