The 2008 NFL Season is ready to launch with training camps starting to kick off around the country. Team by team 2008 NFL Super Bowl odds to win are out and oddsmakers from the top online sports books have listed the Carolina Panthers as 40-1 long shots.
This offseason, the Panthers retained the services of offensive tackle Jordan Gross, which should keep quarterback Jake Delhomme happy. Carolina also added linebacker Landon Johnson (Bengals), wide receiver D.J. Hackett (Seahawks) and welcomed back Muhsin Muhammad (Bears). The Panthers receiving corps took a bit of a hit with the loss of Drew Carter (Raiders) and Keary Colbert (Broncos), but neither ever emerged as top starters.
The Panthers are always one of the medias’ favorites ever since they surprised many with a Super Bowl run in 2003. The buzz is pretty strong in Carolina again this year, especially after the team had a solid draft, adding running back Jonathan Stewart, offensive tackle Jeff Otah and linebacker Dan Connor. As long as Delhomme bounces back from season ending surgery, the Panthers should once again be competitive.
Carolina is considered a long shot at all of the major bookmakers. Current prices on the Panthers’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 40/1 at Sportsbook.com and Bodog, to 50/1 at SBG Global.
Oddsmakers have also set the Panthers’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 7.5, but clearly think Carolina will lose more than 7.5 games considering the under pays out at –135 compared to +105 for the over.
Delhomme’s health is a bit of a concern, but the Panthers are once again sleeper candidates this year. The Cowboys, Giants, Packers, Seahawks and perhaps even the Vikings should be good in the NFC, but outside of those teams the conference is weak once again. Why not the Panthers? They have a solid running back, one of the NFL’s best weapons in receiver Steve Smith and a true playmaker in defensive end Julius Peppers. Carolina could be one of the better surprises in 2008.
Carolina Panthers Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 50-1
Bodog 40-1
Sportsbook.com 40-1
Carolina Panthers 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Carolina Panthers Over 7.5 Wins (+105)
Carolina Panthers Under 7.5 Wins (-135)