The NFL is set to conclude its international games this week with a matchup between the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany. While it may not be the most exciting game on the international calendar, both teams are facing crucial points in their seasons. The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on their chances of securing the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Despite this, both teams will undoubtedly be looking to secure a win. The Panthers are coming off a victory and aiming for another, while the Giants are hoping to break a four-game losing streak.
The Giants have a history of slow starts, having begun 2-7 or worse in six of their last eight seasons. Similarly, the Panthers find themselves at 2-7, matching their win total from the previous season. New York has a perfect record in international games, with three wins in three appearances, while the Panthers will be playing in their second international game after a successful debut in 2019.
The matchup to watch in this game will be the Giants’ pass rush against the Panthers’ quarterback, Bryce Young. The Giants lead the NFL in sacks this season, already surpassing their total from the previous year. Dexter Lawrence has been a standout player with 9.0 sacks, second in the league. However, the Panthers’ offensive line has shown improvement, ranking fifth in pressure rate allowed. Young has struggled when facing pressure, completing just 12 of 32 passes with a passer rating of 59.9 in those situations. This presents an opportunity for the Giants to capitalize on Young’s vulnerabilities.
In terms of predictions, the Giants appear to have the edge in this matchup. The Panthers have struggled offensively, averaging just 12.5 points per game in Young’s four starts this season. Additionally, Young has yet to secure a win on the road in his career. Daniel Jones, on the other hand, has performed significantly better away from home this season, boasting a 97.1 passer rating on the road. With these factors in mind, the prediction leans towards a Giants victory with a final score of 27-16.
Overall, while the Giants vs. Panthers game may not be the most high-profile matchup, it promises to be a competitive and potentially pivotal game for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season. Fans can catch the action live on NFL Network or stream it on fuboTV.
