Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers: Preview, prediction

2 of 2

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) during the second quarter in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

As for the Cardinals, a loss would likely seal the deal as far as the NFC West is concerned. A tie last week kept them in the discussion but did nothing to further their chances in overtaking the Seahawks.

It will be important for the Cardinals to erase last January out of their minds on Sunday for them to have any chance. The Panthers are hungry to get back into the race and are starting to get healthier.

The Cardinals will likely get receiver John Brown back on Sunday, so that is good news considering the loss of Jaron Brown for the season this past week with a torn ACL. The Cardinals will also need to rely on receiver Michael Floyd as the team and fans continue to wait for him to break out this season.

Don’t be surprised however if the Cardinals continue to feed the ball to running back David Johnson. He has counted for approximately 60 percent of the Cardinals offensive yardage so far this season.

Prediction: This one is a tough one to gauge. The Cardinals didn’t put the ball in the end zone last Sunday night and will be looking to do so early. However the Panthers defense knows this Cardinals offense well and they dominated them last January.

Look for both teams to maybe play a little tight early on but then start to let loose. This won’t be another 6-6 game nor will it be a 49-15 game either.

The Cardinals should come out with a victory knowing what a win could do to jump start their second half and leave them with a good taste going into the bye.

Cardinals 34 Panthers 23

Home/Cardinals News