Sunday will give the Carolina Panthers one final chance to send their home crowd happy in 2024.
And to pull off a joyous upset here in Week 16, here are four key matchups they'll have to get the better of when hosting the 7-7 Arizona Cardinals:
Panthers WR Adam Thielen vs. Cardinals CB Garrett Williams
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If Panthers quarterback Bryce Young bounces back after a disappointing showing in Week 15, Thielen will probably play a considerable role in helping him do so. The reliable 34-year-old, in his four games since returning from a hamstring injury, has reeled in 25 catches for 309 yards and a touchdown over 32 targets.
Williams, Arizona's primary slot defender, has earned an 80.0 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus this season.
Panthers WR Jalen Coker vs. Cardinals CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
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Last week marked the first game in which Thielen shared the field with Coker, who ate up much of the slot looks in the veteran's absence earlier this season. As a result, the undrafted rookie recorded 19 of his 36 snaps from the outside in a performance that yielded a career-high 110 receiving yards.
Coker, with fellow rookie wideout Xavier Legette already ruled out with a hip injury, could assume the X receiver role in this game -- whether it's against a questionable Murphy-Bunting or Starling Thomas IV.
Panthers LB Jon Rhattigan vs. Cardinals RB James Conner
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It's bad enough that the Panthers already rank a far last in run defense, as they've allowed a league-high 173.0 rushing yards per game. It's even worse that they're on a Plan D at the inside linebacker spot -- where Shaq Thompson, Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus have all succumbed to season-ending injuries.
Rhattigan, who's in line to get the start alongside Josey Jewell, has played 938 of his 958 NFL snaps as a special teamer. Now, he'll have to help stop one of the most efficient and elusive running backs in the game.
Panthers S Jordan Fuller vs. Cardinals TE Trey McBride
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McBride currently has the most receptions (89) in a season without a receiving touchdown and the second-most receiving yards (938) in a season without a receiving touchdown. Lucky for him, he'll be facing the defense that gives up the most touchdowns (10) to the tight end position.
He could see some of Fuller, who has struggled in coverage a bit in recent weeks.
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