Panthers at Colts
THE STORY: This year's No. 1 draft pick will square off against the team in line for next year's top pick when rookie Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers go on the road to face the winless Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts' quarterback troubles continue with star Peyton Manning sidelined by a lingering neck injury, which has the Colts thinking about following Carolina's lead and drafting QB Andrew Luck with the top overall pick – should they have it – in next April's draft. Newton has helped the Panthers be more competitive, but they're still having trouble winning. They've lost three straight and six of seven.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Panthers -3.5, O/U 45.5
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (2-8): After a dreadful all-around performance in a 30-3 loss to Tennessee two weeks ago, the defense let down Carolina in last week's 49-35 loss at Detroit. The Lions scored two touchdowns in the final 2:32, sandwiched around one of Newton's career-worst four interceptions. Newton and WR Steve Smith (NFC-best 992 receiving yards) have led the Panthers' offense, which ranks fifth in the NFL in total yards but only 18th in scoring.
ABOUT THE COLTS (0-10): Indianapolis is coming off a much-needed bye week after a 17-3 loss to Jacksonville. Not only are the Colts missing Manning, but they're also without TE Dallas Clark (leg) and could miss RB Joseph Addai (hamstring) on Sunday. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said earlier in the week that he'll stick with QB Curtis Painter rather than turn to Dan Orlovsky. Painter has posted a rating of 50.6 or lower in the past four games and has six interceptions and no touchdowns during that span. The Colts haven't scored more than 10 points in any of those four games.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Newton has nine rushing touchdowns, including two last week, the most by a rookie quarterback since the NFL merger in 1970.
2. Colts WR Reggie Wayne needs eight catches to have at least 50 in nine consecutive seasons.
3. Colts DE Dwight Freeney needs 1.5 sacks to become the 26th player with 100 in his career since the stat became official in 1982.