Monday, December 4, 2006

Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles – Lincoln Financial Field (Grass)

The NFL has a flexible schedule with Sunday Night Football, where the Sunday night matchup (in the latter part of the season) won’t be announced ‘til a few weeks before, in order to ensure a better chance of a quality game. They should’ve instituted the same sort of sked for MNF because, while the Panthers and the Eagles might have looked attractive up to a few weeks ago, that is not the case now.

Not only is Philly sinking like an anchor in the NFC East standings, with two straight losses, they’ve lost QB Donovan McNabb for the season with a torn ACL as well.

Line: Panthers -3 (Unchanged)

Over/Under: 37½ (Opening: 37)

Records: Carolina 6-5 (4-6-1 ATS), Philadelphia 5-6 (5-6 ATS)

Game Time: 8:30 pm EST

Key Injuries: The Panthers are really looking healthy, especially considering that it’s Week 13.

LB Na’il Diggs (chest) is probable and RB DeShaun Foster and OG Mike Wahle (shoulder) are questionable.

The only true question mark, according to The Sporting News, revolves around CB Ken Lucas (hamstring) who was taken off the injury list. There has been no official word from Carolina regarding his status.

As if losing QB Donovan McNabb wasn’t enough of a kick in the balls for Philly, replacement QB Jeff Garcia suffered a sprained right forearm against the Colts last week. Nevertheless, Terrell Owens’ other favorite QB is listed as probable and should play.

LB Shawn Barber is questionable with a knee injury.

A number of other Eagles are banged up, but should take the field. These include OT Jon Runyan (hamstring), WR Donte’ Stallworth (hamstring), RB Brian Westbrook (knee) and CB William James (knee).

Monday Night Numbers and Trends
* courtesy of everyedge.com

* The Panthers are 2-10 ATS vs. NFC East opponents.

* Carolina is 15-5 ATS in their last 20 road games in December.

* The SU winner on Monday nights when Carolina makes an appearance is 5-1 ATS.

* The Panthers are 6-3-1 ATS in the second of back-to-back road games.

* Philadelphia is 11-3 ATS when hosting non-divisional opponents in December.

* Philadelphia is 12-6 ATS at home on Monday nights.

* Carolina have registered 12 overs and 5 unders in their past 17 road games.

* Carolina has recorded a mark of 7 overs and 4 unders in its past 11 road games played on grass.

* Philadelphia has a mark of 8 overs and 2 unders in its past 10 December home games.

The Eagles are 3-3 ATS at Lincoln Financial this year and are 1-4 SU and ATS in their last five.

Carolina has been slightly better going 2-3 SU and 2-2-1 in their last five.

Both teams are solid defensively with Carolina ranking third and Philly ranking sixth in the NFC respectively.

Winneronline Opinion: Both teams have very impressive Monday night ATS stats but the Eagles not only are without their starting QB, they have been really struggling against the number lately. Take Carolina and consider a play on the Over too.