NFL.com and NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport has his thoughts on the game:
Week 16 primer:
»
Ranking games in order of intrigue
Why this game is intriguing: Thanks in part to their salary-cap disaster, the Oakland Raiders came into 2012 expecting a rebuilding year. They got it. With Darren McFadden returning to form in last week's victory, maybe they can find some more optimism. On the Carolina Panthers' side of things, Ron Rivera's seat is quite warm. Remember, this season began with major playoff aspirations. Could a late-season hot streak save Rivera's job? The Panthers enter this contest with two straight wins. Would a couple more victories prove that Rivera can thrive with a talent like Cam Newton?
On Twitter:#OAKvsCAR
