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Panthers (4-7) at Vikings (4-6)1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 44.4 | Spread: MIN -4.5 (48.5) What to watch for: Will Minnesota wide receiver Adam Thielen suit up for Week 12? The Pro Bowler was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, though it's unclear whether he tested positive for the coronavirus or was deemed a close contact, the latter of which would increase the likelihood of him playing against Carolina. Thielen is coming off his best game of the season (8 catches, 123 yards, 2 TDs) and leads the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns. He would be sorely missed if he's unavailable on Sunday. -- Courtney Cronin Bold prediction: Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will pass for 300 yards and two touchdowns in his return to Minnesota as a starter for the first time since he suffered a horrific left knee injury during the Vikings' 2016 training camp. Minnesota ranks 26th in the NFL in pass defense, giving up 260.7 yards per game, but has allowed no quarterback to top 300 yards in the past four games and only three all season. -- David Newton Stat to know: Vikings running back Dalvin Cook's 13 rushing touchdowns this season are tied for the most in a team's first 10 games in the past 10 seasons (Todd Gurley in 2018). The last player with 14-plus through 11 games was LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006 (21). Injuries: Panthers | Vikings What to know for fantasy: After going over 17.5 fantasy points in four of five games to open the season, Panthers receiver Robby Anderson has been held under 15.5 in every game since. See Week 12 rankings. Betting nugget: All five Minnesota home games have gone over the total this season. Read more. Newton's pick: Vikings 27, Panthers 24 Cronin's pick: Vikings 26, Panthers 24 FPI prediction: MIN, 68.9% (by an average of 6.6 points) Matchup must-reads: Big payday celebration might be coming for Samuel ... What does a path to the playoffs look like for the 4-6 Vikings? ... Walker good enough to beat Lions ... Zimmer calls out issues with Vikings' young defense
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