NFC South: Panthers vs. Bears, Falcons vs. Eagles and Saints vs. Broncos

It’s Week 8 and the NFC South has a number of interesting matchups. The division kicked things off on Thursday with a Tampa Bay Buccaneer 36-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings. At 3-4, they are in second place.

On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers (1-5) will try to end their rut and beat a surging Chicago Bears (5-1) in the Windy City.

Returning from their bye weeks, the Atlanta Falcons (6-0) will go for another win against a slumping Philadelphia Eagles (3-3).

And to end the day, the New Orleans Saints (2-4) play the Denver Broncos (3-3).

Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers

Panthers QB Cam Newton

The Bears won their Monday night game over division foe, the Detroit Lions, 13-7. They will try to extend a four-game win streak while the Panthers are trying to avoid a five-game losing run.

Offensive expectations were high for both teams this season but for the Bears, their wins are coming from their stellar defensive play. The veteran group is only allowing 71 rushing yards per game and 299 total defensive yards per game.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is having a good season and will play in Sunday’s game with bruised ribs. To-date, he is 106 for 187, 1359 yards and eight touchdowns. He has talented offensive weapons including running backs Matt Forte and Michael Bush, who should have a good day against the Carolina’s generous defense.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is in a huge sophomore slump and has admitted change is needed. He has 1,387 passing yards, five touchdowns and six picks to-date; he is the team’s leading rusher with 273 yards, but he’s thrown five touchdowns and six interceptions.

In addition to the team’s poor play, its management is in disarray as it fired general manager Marty Hurney on Monday. Next up could be coach Ron Rivera.

Last year the Bears won 34-29 and this year the bettors see a repeat giving the home team -7 with a 42.5 over/under.

Falcons vs. Eagles 

Falcons QB Matt Ryan

With both teams returning from their bye weeks, the Falcons will try to keep the wins coming while the Eagles are looking for a jump start. History is on their side as the team under coach Andy Reid is 13-0 upon returning from its bye week.

Similar to the Panthers, Reid’s job is on the line this season as well as his quarterback’s, Michael Vick. Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo already got his walking papers this season.

Vick has also been open that change is needed but it may need to begin with him. He’s been inconsistent, has eight interceptions and to-date, has a 58.9 rating.

While the Falcons are undefeated, their wins have come from last-minute field goals and well, some luck. Quarterback Matt Ryan is having a good season and has lived up to his nickname Matty Ice but this team is poised for a loss.

Ryan is 160 for 236, 1756 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is fourth in the league with a 98.8 quarterback rating and No. 6 for passing with 292.7 average yards.

Last year the Falcons defeated the Eagles 35-31 and this year, the bettors are giving the Eagles -3 with a 42.5 over/under.

Saints vs. Broncos

Saints QB Drew Brees

I am calling this the Battle of the Quarterbacks: Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees.

In their four meetings, they have each grabbed two wins.

Both players have undergone a lot of change in the last year but they have landed on their feet.

After getting off to a slow start, Manning is finding his way after multiple surgeries and a new team. To-date, he is 154 for 227, 1808 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions.

In his last game against the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 15, the Broncos were down at halftime, 24-0. Manning helped erased this deficit and led his team to the 35-24 win.

Brees is playing under new coaches, franchise problems and a weak defense. But he’s still having a good season, going 166 for 273, 2097 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven picks.

The Saints are looking for a third straight win but the odds are going to Denver at -6.5 with a 55 over/under