Packers’ offense will be the difference

Ok, it’s the world champs versus last year’s world chumps this Sunday … But it’s a different story this week than many expected, given the 422-yard performance last week by first overall pick Cam Newton.

There were some who thought this would be a cakewalk for the Packers … A setup game leading into their game at Chicago next week. 

However, with Newton carving up the Cardinals last week and his seemingly new-found best friend Steve Smith champing at the opportunity to catch more long balls from the rookie, this game could be a challenge for the Packers defense.

The Panthers would love nothing more than a shot at legitimacy with a win over the Packers, and while this game is prime with the possibility of intense drama, I don’t see it happening.

Yes, Newton will get the opportunity to throw for some yards and the defense will probably give up a couple of scores, but this game will come down to the overwhelming dominance of the Packers offensive firepower.

The Panthers will score a couple of times in the first half, but their offense will fizzle in the second half while the Packers offense gets rolling.

I give the Panthers 20 points in this one, but it won’t be enough … The Packers score at least 35 this week and could lay another 40 burger on the scoreboard.

Packers end the weekend at 2-0.