It’s incredible how quickly things change in the NFL. Four weeks ago, the Carolina Panthers were on cruise control at 6-2 and looking like a lock to make the playoffs in the NFC. Fast-forward a month later and the Panthers have lost four in a row and are now listed as small underdogs on the road as they head to Ohio to face the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. Carolina is still very much alive in the NFC Wild Card race thanks to its strong start to the season but can’t afford to give away any more games if they are going to make it to the postseason. Is Carolina due to bounce back with a win. Here’s a closer look at the matchup.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Anybody that has bet on the Panthers over the last month has lost some money. Carolina is 0-4 straight up and 0-4 against the spread over that span. Overall, the Panthers head to Cleveland with a 5-7 record against the spread this season. However, Carolina is just 1-5 SU and ATS on the road so far this season.

The Browns have been better than expected so far this season with a 7-5 record against the spread. Cleveland is 11-11 in its last 12 games against NFC opponents. However, that one win came earlier this year against the Atlanta Falcons and they have covered the spread in each of their three games against NFC South opponents so far this season.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have struggled with some major issues on both sides of the football during their four-game slide. All of them seemed to be on display in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cam Newton threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw four interceptions. Meanwhile, the Carolina defence couldn’t slow down the Buccaneers offence as Jameis Winston was able to pick them apart through the air. The Panthers defence played extremely well early in the season but they have struggled with consistency over the course of their current slide.

The offence hasn’t done them any favors with turnovers and inconsistent results. Carolina is just 1-5 on the road this season. As strange as it might have sounded four weeks ago, the Panthers might have a tough time finding a way to win this game in Cleveland in Week 14.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have played inspired football since head coach Hue Jackson was fired. Cleveland’s only losses over the last four weeks have been to playoff teams in the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans. Baker Mayfield has made substantial progress over the course of his rookie season. Meanwhile, it has helped that running back Nick Chubb has been really good when given the football. With Mayfield and Chubb in the backfield, Cleveland’s offence looks like it has a bright future.

The Browns defence has also shown flashes, including holding the Falcons and Bengals to an average of 18.0 points in a pair of November wins. Cleveland’s defence will need to step up if they are going to pick up a win over a desperate Carolina side. As long as the defence steps up and the offence doesn’t turn the ball over, the Browns should be able to add to the Panthers’ misery and find a way to win at home.

Panthers vs. Browns Prediction