Expert Picks – NFL Week 10

Nov 3, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scores a touchdown during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Line: Carolina Panthers +5.5 at San Francisco 49ers — O/U 43

This is the match-up I am most excited to watch this week. Both teams are as hot as can be, with the 49ers on a five game winning streak and the Panthers on a four game winning streak. Many analysts will point to the fact that the Panthers haven’t beaten any good opponents, but a glance at the 49ers schedule so far paints a very similar picture. This will be a “prove it” game for both teams. In another match-up of similarly made up teams, both the 49ers (1st) and Panthers (8th) rely on the ground game to win and struggling in the passing game (49ers 32nd, Panthers 25th). Both defenses are in the top of the league in total yards against (Panthers 2nd, 49ers 3rd). This will be a low scoring, old school football game, and I think the Panthers will shock a lot of people around the league on Sunday.

Prediction: Panthers 20, 49ers 17