This is a crucial game for both of these teams as it’s for first place in the NFC South.  The Panthers would like to run the ball to set up the pass but that will be easier said than done against a Bucs’ defense that is allowing only 99.6 yards rushing per game and 3.7 yards per carry.  Still, DeAngelo Williams (324 yards, 4.3 ypc) and Jonathan Stewart (269 yards rushing, 4.2 ypc) have been outstanding this season and the Panthers will still get the football in their hands.  The Bucs have 11 sacks and 8 interceptions this season so Jake Delhomme should be careful when throwing the ball downfield.  Still, that will not stop Delhomme from throwing the ball to Steve Smith down the field and Mushin Muhammad on the short stuff.

The Buccaneers would also be smart to play to the team strength and run the football.  They are averaging 134.8 yards rushing per game and 5.3 yards per carry so look for Earnest Graham (393 yards rushing, 5.9 ypc) and Warrick Dunn (271 yards rushing, 5.1 ypc) to test a tough Panthers’ defense that is allowing only 98.4 yards rushing per game and 3.8 ypc.  Look for the passing game to remain the dink and dunk variety with Jeff Garcia calling the shots which could inspire the Bucs to play a good game.

PREDICTION:  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 21, CAROLINA PANTHERS 20

This was complete domination by the Panthers.  They jumped on the Chiefs early and often in this football game.  DeAngelo Williams had a huge game rushing for 123 yards on 20 carries (6.2 ypc) with 2 TD runs.  He also caught a 25-yard TD pass as he scored the Panthers’ first three TDs.  Jonathan Stewart (72 yards rushing), Steve Smith (96 yards receiving) and Mushin Muhammad (71 yards receiving, TD) all pitched in with solid games for the Panthers last week.  Jake Delhomme was very efficient completing 14 of 22 passes for 236 yards with 2 TD passes and 1 interception as he directed a Panthers’ attack that held onto the ball for 38:54 and rolled up 441 total yards on offense.

The Panthers’ defense was incredible in this football game as they held the Chiefs to 127 total yards!  The Panthers held the Chiefs to 2.1 ypc and 35 yards rushing.  Even more stunning is the fact that Larry Johnson only had 2 yards rushing on 7 carries (0.3 ypc) last Sunday.  The Panthers also picked off two passes in this game and sacked Chiefs’ QBs 3 times.  The Panthers improved to 4-1 on the season with this win.

The Panthers will be without starting LT Jordan Gross and RT Jeff Otah.  They will start Frank Omiyale (LT) and Jeremy Bridges (RT) against the Chiefs and that is a huge downgrade.  The Panthers are lucky that they aren’t playing a real team on Sunday.

The Chiefs finally got their offense going last week and they are coming up against a Panthers’ D that is allowing 114.3 yards rushing per game and 4.1 yards per carry.  With that in mind expect the Chiefs to give the Panthers a very heavy dose of Larry Johnson (415 yards rushing).  If Johnson is effective running the ball look for Damon Huard to attack the Panthers’ secondary with play action passes to Dwyane Bowe and Tony Gonzalez.  For that to work though the Chiefs will have to keep DE Julius Peppers out of their backfield as the O-Line of the Chiefs has allowed 12 sacks already this season.

The Chiefs’ defense has been pathetic this season especially against the running game allowing 176.5 yards rushing per game and 5.3 yards per carry.  Look for the Panthers to come out running with DeAngelo Williams (201 yards rushing) and Jonathan Stewart (197 yards rushing) against the very soft interior of the Chiefs’ defense.  But, expect Jake Delhomme to take advantage of the Chiefs’ young corners (Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers) with veterans Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammad in the passing game.

PREDICTION:  CAROLINA PANTHERS 21, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 13

The Panthers pushed around the Falcons last Sunday.  Jake Delhomme had by far his best game of the season completing 20 of 29 passes for 294 yards with 2 TD passes.  DeAngelo Williams (16 car, 57 yards, 3.6 ypc) and Jonathan Stewart (14 car, 52 yards, 3.7 ypc, TD) both had solid games on the ground for the Panthers Sunday.  WRs Mushin Muhammad (8 rec, 147 yards, 18.4 avg) and Steve Smith (6 rec, 96 yards, 16.0 avg) each pitched in with a TD catch apiece against the Falcons.  The Panthers finished up with 107 yards rushing on 33 carries (3.2 ypc) and they also completed 20 of 29 passes for 294 yards in this game.

The defense was outstanding for the Panthers in this football game.  Linebacker John Beason and CB Chris Gamble led the way for the D with 7 tackles apiece in this game.  The Falcons finished up with 118 yards rushing on 23 carries (5.1 ypc) and they also completed 21 of 41 passes for 150 yards.  The Panthers improved to 3-1 on the season with this very impressive win.