Carolina Panthers (3-7-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-7)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale

*Keys to the game: The Panthers haven’t won a game since Oct. 5, yet come off their bye week a half game out of first place in the NFC South and technically in control of their own playoff destiny. Whether the time away allowed the Panthers to refocus and address issues on both sides of the ball remains to be seen.

What is known is Carolina will have a seventh different offensive line combination with RT Nate Chandler going on IR. The fluxuation has certainly contributed to the Panthers averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and QB Cam Newton getting sacked 32 times. The Vikings’ defensive front is the strength of the team, and Minnesota will likely control field position in a low-scoring game unless Newton is recharged coming off the bye and shows more explosion in his mobility. The return of FB Mike Tolbert (knee) could also prove significant in short-yardage situations.

Vikings rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater has also been hampered by poor offensive line play. RB Ben Tate has a full week in the offense and could be added to the mix. It’s important for Bridgewater to get help from the ground game because his protection doesn’t often hold up long enough for his pedestrian receiving corps to gain separation.

*Matchup to watch – Panthers DE Charles Johnson vs. Vikings RT Mike Harris: Harris has made 12 career NFL starts, all with the Chargers during his first two NFL seasons, and steps in for the injured Phil Loadholt. Johnson is tied for the team lead with 5.0 sacks, all coming in the past seven games, as he has adjusted to additional attention with Greg Hardy still out due to his off-field issue.

*Player spotlight – Panthers OL Amini Silatolu: He has started 25 games at left guard over the past three seasons, but the former left tackle out of Midwestern State is a candidate to slide to right tackle. However, the team is concerned about Silatolu’s tendency to be too aggressive, which can be exposed by the Vikings’ defensive end, and Chris Scott, David Foucault and Mike Remmers are also in the mix.

*Fast facts: Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin is tied for the NFL lead among rookies with eight TD catches. … Vikings LT Matt Kalil has allowed 11 sacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus. He is also the brother of Panthers C Ryan Kalil.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Panthers coach Ron Rivera spent the bye week reviewing reports from each of his coaches. What he likely concluded is Carolina has flaws across the board and Minnesota will be able to capitalize on shorter fields.

*Our pick: Vikings 23-20