The Giants need another monster game from Odell Beckham Jr. to keep their playoff hopes alive. (Getty)
The Carolina Panthers can clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win on Sunday afternoon.
The New York Giants need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Oh, and did we mention that Odell Beckham Jr. is going to match up against Josh Norman. Because that’s also happening this week.
In other words, this is going to be a good football game. Here’s all the information you need on the postseason-implication-filled matchup:
Date: Sunday, December 20, 2015
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
TV Channel: Locally broadcast on FOX with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call. Click here to check and see if you fall within the coverage zone.
Line: Carolina -5 via OddsShark.com
Live Stream: NFL.com; NFL Game Pass
Game Preview: We need to talk about Josh Norman.
The Carolina Panthers cornerback is slated to face off against Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday afternoon, tasked with the ever-challenging job of slowing down the second-year receiving wonder.
But here’s the thing about Norman. He’s been slowing down top-tier wideouts all season. Just take a look at his numbers. So far this year Norman has held DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, TY Hilton, Dez Bryant and Julio Jones to a combined nine receptions and 89 yards. Total.
That’s only vaguely impressive.
But Beckham is a different breed. Through 13 games this year, OBJ has racked up 1,320 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 85 receptions. He’s tied for the league lead in touchdowns, while currently ranking eighth in receptions and third in receiving yards.
So, how does Norman stop him on Sunday? He simply does what he’s done all season. He defends Beckham.
In addition to shutting down opposing receivers Norman has also racked up the sixth-most pass breakups (20), the third-most interceptions (4) and the most defensive touchdowns (2) at the cornerback in the league. He’s also allowed just 329 yards and one touchdown in primary coverage all season.
There’s no way to know who will come out on top in this matchup. It’s simply too good to predict. But if the pre-game stats are any indication, you’re not going to want to miss it.
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