NEXT OPPONENT: CAROLINA (1-2)

The Panthers had a bye in Week 4. They opened with a pair of losses, putting coach Ron Rivera on the hot seat, before walloping the Giants last week.

OPPONENT WEEK 3: Carolina 38, N.Y. Giants 0

Cam Newton threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, and Carolina's defense sacked Eli Manning seven times as the Panthers had the largest margin of victory in franchise history.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Cam Newton, quarterback

Newton has rushed 269 times in his short career, but has remained remarkably healthy, starting all 35 games. He has 46 career TD passes and 31 interceptions, but it's the running part — 1,545 yards — that scares opponents to death.

OUTLOOK

The Vikings have a bye, so have two weeks to prepare — presumably with a new starting quarterback, Matt Cassel. A home game here seems like a pretty good situation. Outlook: Horns up.