Patriots vs. Panthers Preseason Pick
Will the Panthers cover as home favorites tonight at 7:30PM ET when they host the Patriots in the teams’ “dress rehearsal?”
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Panthers are 3.5-point home favorites tonight versus the Patriots while the over/under currently sits at 44.5 points. While the point spread hasn’t moved off the original 3.5 number, the total did open at 45 before being bet down to 44.5.
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The Patriots are 2-0 in preseason play after beating the Bears 23-22 as a 3-point home favorite last Thursday night. Jimmy Garoppolo was the leading passer with 181 yards and a touchdown on 16-of-21 passing, while LeGarrette Blount rushed 11 times for 69 yards and a score, with a long of 21. A.J. Derby stole the show from a receiving standpoint, hauling in six of his seven targets for 71 yards and a touchdown.
After dropping their preseason opener to the Ravens two weeks ago, the Panthers rebounded with a 26-16 win over the Titans in Nashville last Saturday. Cam Newton was 8-of-12 for 162 yards and a touchdown in the victory, while backup Derek Anderson threw for 118 yards on 12-of-20 passing and finished with a touchdown pass of his own. Ted Ginn Jr. also caught his lone target for a 61-yard touchdown.
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OUR PICK: The Patriots figure to get an extended look at Garoppolo tonight, seeing as how he’ll start Week 1 with Tom Brady on suspension. Based on his performance last week versus the Bears, Garoppolo might once again play it safe, settling for a game-manager role with safe throws and checkdowns. That may have worked against Chicago, but Carolina will look to get in regular-season mode tonight in preparation for Week 1. The Panthers have one of the best defenses in the NFL and should show well tonight. Take a flier on Carolina.
2016 NFL PRESEASON FREE PICK: CAROLINA PANTHERS -3.5