Not enough respect is being paid to Carolina's dominant defense with this high of a total. The Panthers rank in the top five in scoring defense, total yards, run defense and pass defense. They also are first in interceptions and third in sacks.

This is the second-largets Carolina total of the season - and the matchup doesn't merit that.

The Giants are one-dimensional ranking 29th in rushing yards. They don't have a a decent running back. Neither do the Panthers with Jonathan Stewart. Instead the Panthers are going to go with a three man committee of Mike Tolbert, Foswhitt Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne.

If you discount giving up 52 points on the road to New Orleans on a fast track and in a shootout, the Giants have given up a respectable average of 21.5 points in regulation during their last six games.

Cam Newton is having an MVP-caliber season. But he doesn't have his lead back and lacks outstanding wide receivers. The Giants' secondary is better with the return from injury of cornerback Prince Amukamara.

This is a dangerous flat spot, too, for the Panthers. I see them playing a conservative, field-position type of game relying on their outstanding defense rather than take a lot of risks in this tough December road setting.