1.5 unit (plays are rated on a 1 to 5 unit scale)
The 49ers are still without their starting RT, LT and FB Kyle Juszczyk. This team may still be the best team in football by the time December comes but their offense, particularly the run game, should have a harder time vs a really good Panthers front 7 than it has the last few weeks against softer defenses like the Redskins and Rams. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman ran for just 2.7 ypc vs the Rams and the 49ers dominated that game because the Rams offensive line is bad. Carolina has one of the best front 7s in the NFL and can take advantage of these injuries and make it a lower scoring game and make the points valuable. Winds will also be between 25-30 mph during the game with gusts up to 40 so it’s hard to imagine either team topping 20 points. Carolina is coming off the bye and Ron Rivera is 4-1 ATS off the bye the last 5 years. San Fran isa great team but they don’t need this game as much as Carolina does – San Fran is at the top of the NFC West right now with a 1.5 game lead over Seattle whereas the Panthers at 4-2 are still staring up at the Saints. I like the Panthers to keep this close in a low scoring game.
