Green Bay Packers predictions: Week 15 vs. Panthers

The Green Bay Packers sit atop the NFC with a 10-3 record and have a chance to get one step closer to the No. 1 seed with a win over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.

Carolina (4-9) is well below .500 but has been competitive this season with just a -25 point differential, so it is more than capable of scaring or beating the Packers.

After all, the Panthers pushed Green Bay to the edge in a 24-16 loss at Lambeau in Week 10 of last season (albeit with a slightly different roster, including running back Christian McCaffrey, who isn’t expected to play Saturday).

Will the Packers overlook the Panthers? With a No. 1 seed on the line … well …

Here’s what the experts think will happen in this week’s predictions from around the web:

Barry Wilner of the Associated Press: Packers 30, Panthers 19. “The Packers have their sights set on that lone NFC playoffs bye.”

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times: Packers 34, Panthers 27. “This could be a bit of a shootout, especially if D.J. Moore is back for the Panthers. Green Bay’s defense is vulnerable, but the Packers have too many weapons and Aaron Rodgers is too good.”

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com: Packers 37, Panthers 23. “The Panthers have lost seven straight and the defense has struggled. That’s not a good formula against the Packers. Green Bay’s offense is rolling and Aaron Rodgers will continue that here. Packers big.”

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal: Packers 37, Panthers 26. “Teddy Bridgewater’s play has declined over his last five games. The Panthers’ defense, which will struggle to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers Saturday night, has remained sub-mediocre all year. That’s a rough combination against a Packers team whose offense is perfectly in sync, with this game offering another chance for Rodgers to build his MVP résumé.”

Will Brinson of CBSSports.com: Packers 37, Panthers 23. “The Panthers have lost seven straight and the defense has struggled. That’s not a good formula against the Packers. Green Bay’s offense is rolling and Aaron Rodgers will continue that here. Packers big.”

John Breech of CBSSports.com: Packers 31, Panthers 23.

Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News: Packers 38, Panthers 23. “The Panthers’ schedule keeps taking Teddy Bridgewater through his former foes in the NFC North. Bridgewater should get D.J. Moore back to help their passing potential, but he still will be lacking the ideal weapon to attack the Packers defense without Christian McCaffrey. Expect Bridgewater to see a lot of second-half blitzes once Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and Aaron Jones have passed, caught and ran Green Bay to a significant lead.”

The Miami Herald’s Greg Cote: Packers 31, Panthers 13. “Gee Bees hold No. 1 NFC seed and aren’t about to give it up by losing at Lambeau in Saturday’s prime-time game to a Carolina squad that has lost Teddy Bridgewater’s last seven starts and is likely to be without RB Christian McCaffrey again. Aaron Rodgers feathers his MVP candidacy.”

Bill Bender of the Sporting News: Packers 31, Panthers 24. “The Packers hold the top spot in the NFC, but this is one of those trap-door games to keep an eye on. Teddy Bridgewater can test Green Bay’s defense with high-percentage throws and keep this game close into the fourth quarter. But the Packers will stay ahead with Aaron Rodgers, who continues to play at an MVP level.”

Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com: Packers.

Jordan Dajani of CBSSports.com: Packers 37, Panthers 23.

Philly Voice’s Jimmy Kempski: Packers.

Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area: Packers 30, Panthers 26.

Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith and Mike Florio: MDS: Packers 33, Panthers 16. Florio: Packers 37, Panthers 23.

Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network: Packers 31, Panthers 21.

Sportsnaut’s Vincent Frank: Packers 35, Panthers 20.

All six analysts at SI.com are picking the Packers to win.

All three writers at Athlon Sports think the Packers will win.

All 10 SB Nation writers predict a Packers win.

All six PennLive.com writers pick the Packers to win.