Panthers-Raiders: Carolina Looks to Open Second Half with Win

The Carolina Panthers will open the second half of their season Sunday in Oakland against the Raiders; they are looking to expand on their pre-bye week two-game winning streak. In the first half of the season, the Panthers earned a 6-2 record, went 5-0 at home, and 2-1 in their division. Carolina leads the NFC South, with the Buccaneers (6-3) and the Falcons (5-3) close behind.   The Raiders are 2-6, only good enough for third in the AFC West, one of the weakest divisions in the NFL. Oakland comes into the game on a two-game losing streak after getting blown off their own field by the Atlanta Falcons last week, 24-0. The Panthers have struggled on the road this year, dropping games in Minnesota and Tampa Bay.  Still, they edged the Chargers in the first week of the season. But, they haven't played a team as bad as the Raiders outside of Charlotte yet.   Plus the Raiders are nothing to fear at McAfee Coliseum, as they're 1-3 at home. The Panthers' rush defense, while ranked ... (link)