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5 Bold Predictions For Cardinals vs. Panthers in NFC Wild Card Playoff

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By @MichaelTerrill

5 Bold Predictions For Cardinals vs. Panthers in NFC Wild Card Playoff

Cardinals vs. Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are set to square off in an exciting Wild Card matchup on Saturday. Even though the Panthers clinched the No. 4 seed with a below-.500 record and the Cardinals will most likely be starting a third string quarterback, there’s still much to be desired in the contest. Here are five bold predictions for Cardinals vs. Panthers in the NFC Wild Card playoff.

5. Drew Stanton Will Play and Give Cardinals a Chance

Drew Stanton Will Play and Give Cardinals a Chance
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5. Drew Stanton Will Play and Give Cardinals a Chance

Drew Stanton Will Play and Give Cardinals a Chance
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If the Cardinals want to see quarterback Drew Stanton under center, they will need him to practice Thursday in order for it to happen. Although all signs point to him not playing, the fact Arizona is leaving a glimmer of hope means there’s a chance he still might. If Stanton plays, it will give the Cardinals a far better chance of winning if he doesn’t.

4. Record Won’t Reflect How Panthers Play

Record Won’t Reflect How Panthers Play
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4. Record Won’t Reflect How Panthers Play

Record Won’t Reflect How Panthers Play
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At 7-8-1, the Panthers join a small group of teams to have a below-.500 record and still make the playoffs. Even though they have played some embarrassing football at times throughout the season, Carolina is playing with playoff swagger in December. After a loss to the Vikings, their playoff chances were shot. Four wins later and the Panthers are ready to roll against the Cardinals and possibly beyond.

3. Inexperience Will Hurt Cardinals

Inexperience Will Hurt Cardinals
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3. Inexperience Will Hurt Cardinals

Inexperience Will Hurt Cardinals
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The Cardinals haven’t been in the playoffs since 2009, while the Panthers were there just last season. With inexperience sprinkled throughout the roster, most notably under center if Ryan Lindley starts, the lack of experience will clearly hurt the team. Outside of a handful of players, most of the Cardinals have not seen the postseason in the last three years. The reason it’s a problem is because the playoffs are a much quicker style of play.

2. Expect a Low-Scoring Contest

Expect a Low-Scoring Contest
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2. Expect a Low-Scoring Contest

Expect a Low-Scoring Contest
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Neither offensive possesses the explosiveness most playoff teams have, which means there’s a good chance the defenses will keep the game in check. Even though both teams are capable of putting up points, it’s more likely the defenses will prevail, especially since both have played great at times down the stretch.

1. Cam Newton Will Go Off and Win First Playoff Game

Cam Newton Will Go Off and Win First Playoff Game
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1. Cam Newton Will Go Off and Win First Playoff Game

Cam Newton Will Go Off and Win First Playoff Game
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Cam Newton has been inconsistent throughout the season, which was one of the reasons Carolina struggled in the win column. However, Saturday’s contest gives him a great opportunity to win his first playoff game. The homefield advantage, the dismal Cardinals secondary and the fact Arizona lacks confidence entering the postseason. All signs point to Newton going off and the Panthers emerging victorious.

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