These are two football teams going in opposite directions right now as the Panthers are 2-0 while the Vikings are 0-2.  This will be interesting to watch as the Panthers’ running game is working well (128.0 yards rushing per game, 4.3 ypc) but the Vikings have a great run defense (82.0 yards per game, 3.6 ypc).  With that in mind look for the Panthers to throw a lot on first down.  That could be a problem for the Vikings who are allowing 244.5 yards passing per game.  If Jake Delhomme has time to throw the Vikings will be in trouble because Steve Smith is officially back.  Mushin Muhammad, D.J. Hackett and TE Dante Rosario are all other decent weapons in the passing game for the Panthers.  Still, don’t expect an all-out passing attack out of the Panthers as they really like what RBs Jonathan Stewart (130 yards) and DeAngelo Williams (117 yards) are doing on the ground for them this season.

The Vikings finally woke up and benched Tarvaris Jackson who is an awful QB.  Even with an outstanding running game he still couldn’t throw the football.  With Adrian Peterson a little iffy for this game the Vikings might have to lean on Chester Taylor at RB.  He’s more than capable of having a big game if Peterson can’t go.  No matter which RB gets the football the Vikings should have some success on the ground as they are averaging 183.5 yards rushing per game and 5.4 ypc and that was with no threat of a passing game.  As soon as the Vikings establish the running game look for Gus Frerotte to run some play action passes and attempt to get the ball deep to speedster Bernard Berrian.

PREDICTION:  CAROLINA PANTHERS 20, MINNESOTA VIKINGS 17