Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have been the top of the NFL all season, but can they keep it up this Sunday? (Getty)
Y’all read for a bit of football history?
The Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday evening in a matchup of the NFC’s top two squads and a battle of former Heisman Trophy winners that could very easily be a battle to also name the MVP of the league.
This is a game that pits the leagues top-scoring team (Carolina at 31.2 points per game) against the No. 2 scoring team (Arizona at 30.6 points per game). Then there’s the defense. Arizona ranks at No. 5. Carolina sits at No. 6.
Let’s just say these teams are fairly even when it comes to ranking talent. But, that’s not why we’re here. We’re here to pick a winner. So, who’ve you got in this year’s NFC Championship game?
Looking for a bit more analysis before game time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on that front as well.
Despite winning 12 in a row at home, the Panthers are listed as a slim three-point favorite over Arizona according to OddsShark. The Cardinals are 7-1 SU on the road this season, but the underdogs are 2-10 SU in conference championship games over the past six seasons.
The key for the Panthers, and a serious way for Arizona to win, will be in the second half. Carolina has only lost once this season, but the team has struggled a bit in the final 30 minutes of play, including last week when the Seattle Seahawks actually started to claw their way back into contention.
Keep an eye out on Jonathan Stewart. The Panthers running back gives an already potent offense an extra spark. He had 989 yards in 13 games before missing three with a knee injury. Stewart returned last week and finished with 106 yards and two touchdowns.
There’s going to be some offense in this one, so sit back, make your poll pick and enjoy some football.
Kickoff for the NFC Championship Game is slated for 6:40 p.m. ET and is being broadcast nationally on FOX.