This is an 8* SPECIAL on Carolina.

Carolina will be eager to break its three-game slide and I say it doesn't go down without a fight this afternoon. Matt Rhule fired his OC this week and said he'll use a combination of Cam Newton and PJ Walker.

The offense has gone through a lot this year. Christian McCaffrey leads a rusing attack though that averages 110 YPG. The defense is ranked eighth as well, allowing 22 PPG, including ranked second against the run.

The Bills' run game has struggled this season, and that's turned the offense very one-dimensional. That's not going to change today facing this tough Panthers front line. QB Josh Allen was in a walking boot at the start of the week and with the majority of the offensive load on his shoulders, I think he'll struggle against what will be an aggressive pass rush from the visiting side today.

If Allen can't go, then Mitch Trubisky would see time. He's OK, but clearly this would be a big step back for the home side.

Buffalo's defense is good, conceding just 17 PPG.

However, the favorite is just 1-4 ATS the last five in this series, while the Panthers are a near-perfect 5-1 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Cam Newton loves moving the ball in small chunks. He loves running the ball. It's going to be a cold and windy day in Buffalo, so his style of play suits these inclement weather conditions.

No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

Good luck, NP