Carolina at Houston

Kyle Allen was tremendous in his second career start in completing 19-of-26 for 261 yards and four touchdowns while filling in for Cam Newton. Carolina defeated the Cardinals 38-20 and also got a great performance from Christian McCaffrey, who rushed for 153 yards on 24 carries. Allen will be the starter for the time being as Newton is expected to be out several weeks and this week he'll face a Houston defense that is ranked only #22 in total yards allowed and #23 in passing yards. Meanwhile, the Panther defense is second in the league behind only New England in total yards and passing yards allowed. DeShaun Watson passed for 351 yards for the Texans in their win over the Chargers, but it was a one-dimensional offense that could muster only 39 rushing yards on 19 carries. The Texans are just 1-4 ATS their last five games after an ATS win and Carolina has covered the number five of its last six against teams with winning records going back to last season. Allen could be the spark Carolina needs and this matchup should go to the wire. Play the Panthers.