Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.
CARDINALS (-7) over Packers: While the Packers were able to finally get their offense in gear last week against the Redskins, keep in mind Washington had gone 0-3 against teams with winning records while being outgained by 214 yards per game. This matchup figures to be more difficult for Green Bay, as it was drilled just three weeks ago in the desert. The Cardinals, who not only won by 30 points, finished with a massive yardage edge (+203) while sacking Packers QBs nine times.
PANTHERS (-2 ¹/₂) over Seahawks: The Seahawks head to Carolina seeking revenge from a previous home loss this season, a game in which the Panthers trailed by nine, then scored two touchdowns in the final four minutes. Seattle has to feel pretty fortunate to be here following a missed chip-shot field goal by the Vikings in sub-zero temps. While the Seahawks do have quite the playoff pedigree with consecutive trips to the Super Bowl, the Panthers utilized their bye week to get healthy on offense (WR Ted Ginn and RB Jonathan Stewart are expected to return) giving them just what they need to match up well against the No. 1 defense in the NFL.
Last week: 1-1
Season: 21-15