Who's going to win?

Each week in the NFL, fans and media members alike share their opinions and make their game picks.

This year, Panthers.com is showing you what Madden 18 has to say. This week, the Panthers open a crucial three-game homestand against the Vikings. Carolina played well early, but the Vikings rode a strong third quarter to a 26-16 victory.

Quarterback Cam Newton racked up 308 passing yards against a stingy defense, doing most of his damage during a promising first half and then a desperate attempt to catch up late. Early, Newton's arm set up running back Christian McCaffrey for a 1-yard touchdown run, the lone touchdown in a first half that ended with the Panthers holding a 10-6 lead. McCaffrey finished the day with 92 total yards.

The third quarter was Carolina's undoing, as Vikings quarterback Case Keenum hit two different tight ends for 11-yard scores to help Minnesota build a 20-10 cushion. Usual suspect Kyle Ruldolph caught one of them, but backup David Morgan hauled in the other to give the Vikings a lead they'd never relinquish.

Newton hit wide receiver Damiere Byrd for his first career touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it came in between Kai Forbath field goals and came too late for the Panthers to rally.