Carolina at Denver

On paper these two teams look similar. We have the Broncos with the 2nd ranked defense and 14th ranked offense and the Panthers with the 7th-ranked defense and 13th ranked offense. Surprisingly, both teams have been more prolific through through the air. Quentin Griffin, after a strong game one start, has been a dissapointment to the Broncos. Carolina has been without super star Stephen Davis for most of the season but they expect him back this weekend. I think this is the difference in this game. With Stephen Davis in the backfield, Carolina will have more success offensively and their defensive front four remain one of the best in the league. That, combined with Denver's struggling runnning game will put the responsibility for scoring soley on the shoulders of Jake Plummer which spells disaster for Denver. In week 5 games, teams with one win vs. teams with 3 wins coming off a win cover the spread 86% of the time. I like Carolina to keep it close and possibly win. One unit on the Panthers +5.5 and one unit on them to win.