The Carolina Panthers Vs the Oakland Raiders: Trap Game or Blow Out?

The Carolina Panthers face a turbulent Oakland Raiders team this Sunday and many have already placed a "W" in the Panthers' win column, but there is one bit of business that needs to take place first.  Remember, there are 60 minutes of football that has to be played before anyone is awarded a win.  With that in mind, is there any way Carolina could overlook the Raiders? Not likely, especially after a bye week. However, the Panthers have created somewhat of a certain pattern surrounding their wins this season. In subsequent games, the Panthers have won two games and lost one, then repeating the same pattern in their next three matchups. Their last game marked the end of the win two in a row phase of that equation, and they could break the loss cycle with a victory in Oakland. On paper, where games are never played, the Panthers should probably only lose two more games this entire season and that would leave them with a 12-4 record. But remember, in today's NFL any team can lose ... (link)