CHARLOTTE (BLACK & BLUE KICKOFF LIVE) — For the first time in two years, the Panthers are favored to win a game. Will they pull it off? They certainly have been playing well enough as of late. The Panthers, 2.5-point favorites on Sunday, have had four of its last five games decided by three points or less. Bill Belichick speaks as UNC-Chapel Hill coach for first time Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is done for the season after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 9. It'll be Cooper Rush starting against Carolina, who's gone 2-4 since taking over the job. The Panthers and Cowboys have the two worst defenses in the league based on average points allowed. The Panthers' offense could really thrive this week after playing tough defenses recently against the Eagles and Buccaneers. Since returning from injury in Week 12 against the Chiefs, Adam Thielen has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. In that span, he has the 2nd-most catches (25) and leads all receivers in yards (258). Young's top target could be in for another big game as Dallas gives up the fifth-most yards per catch (11.8) to opposing wideouts. K.C. & Danny are takin’ Belichick, their football picks, Rajah Caruth | Dec. 13, 2024 Carolina is 5-11 all-time against Dallas and has lost the last two, including last year's matchup at home 33-10. Sunday's game between the Panthers and Cowboys from Bank of America Stadium starts at 1 p.m. on FOX Charlotte.