The Carolina Panthers are set to host the Arizona Cardinals in their final home game of the 2024 NFL season. While the Panthers are out of playoff contention, the game is crucial for the development of their young quarterback, Bryce Young. The Cardinals, still in the hunt for the NFC West, need a win to stay competitive.
Injury concerns plague both teams, with key players like Robert Hunt and Ickey Ekwonu questionable for Carolina, and Paris Johnson Jr. ruled out for Arizona. The matchup is particularly significant as it features two former number one overall draft picks, Young and Kyler Murray, who are often compared due to their similar skill sets.
With Arizona favored by five points, the game will likely hinge on the performance of running back James Conner against Carolina's struggling run defense. If the Panthers can't contain Conner, their chances of an upset diminish significantly.