The Patriots defense is looking to get on track against the hobbling Panthers offense. Carolina quarterback Cam Newton is dealing with a shoulder and ankle injury, star tight end Greg Olsen is out for the year, and top wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is dealing with a knee injury and will be limited at best. The top Panthers receiver is a running back, so the Patriots will need to eliminate Christian McCaffrey from the game.
The New England offense is doing just peachy, though, coming off a 36-point performance against a strong Houston Texans defense.