The Eagles may be in desperation mode, but that doesn't suddenly make Philadelphia a better team. Carolina is looking to bounce back from a tough loss against Dallas, and its defense stands a much better chance of making an impact in this game. Chuba Hubbard is doing just fine in place of Christian McCaffrey, and Sam Darnold is improving under Joe Brady. The Panthers should be able to come out and cover the field goal against a team that’s 2-8 ATS on the road the last two seasons. This spread has shifted far too much. I'll happily take the best number we've seen for this game.

The Eagles have been unimpressive for three consecutive weeks. Offensively, they’ve failed to generate a proper ground attack to offset the inexperience of QB Jalen Hurts. Look for unique designs to be implemented in order to get the offense going against a Carolina team that has overachieved to begin the year. Take the points with Philadelphia.

We're in the part of the NFL season which I refer to as the ping-pong portion....back and forth performances and catching the right team in a bounce back spot. This week there are a few but the Carolina Panthers might be your best value. They're playing at home, off a tough loss to a very good Cowboys team and we caught the number correctly down from 3.5 to 3. The Eagles have allowed 83 combined points in its last two and somehow found a way to lose by 12 last week in a game they never even punted in. Carolina's D hasn't allowed 200+ passing yards in three straight. Might not be pretty, but that's exactly how this Panthers team cashes.

The market has moved this line toward the Eagles but I'm fading the move despite Shaq Thompson's injury. Carolina's rush defense fell apart against Dallas but Philadelphia doesn't run much despite being efficient at it. Nick Sirianni made some poor game decisions against the Chiefs, choosing to kick short field goals when it was clear they needed TDs, while the Panthers staff has been creative with how it uses Sam Darnold. There's a chance Christian McCaffrey comes back, which would boost this line, but I like the Panthers pass offense to do enough to cover this number anyway after watching them have success against Dallas last week, especially with the Eagles defense falling apart after Brandon Graham's injury.

Even before the news that Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, I liked Carolina in this spot. The Panthers faced a lethal offense Sunday in Dallas but should have a lot more success at home against the reeling Eagles. Carolina was utterly dominant defensively in its first two home games versus the Jets and Saints. Lay the points.