Panthers vs. Titans Preseason Pick
Will the Titans cover the spread this afternoon in Nashville when they host the Panthers at 3:00PM ET in preseason play?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Titans are 3.5-point home favorites to beat the Panthers after opening as a field-goal favorite. As for the total, the number hit the board at 41 but has been bet down to 40.5.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: The Panthers will once again be without starting quarterback Cam Newton, who will not play today’s preseason game after having his surgically repaired shoulder re-evaluated on Friday. Backup Derek Anderson will start against the Titans, followed by Joe Webb and Garrett Gilbert. Newton did not throw in team drills during either of the team’s joint practices with the Titans.
TENNESSEE TITANS: Coach Mike Mularkey said that receiver Eric Decker is unlikely to play today against the Panthers due to a twisted ankle. Decker tried to tape the ankle in efforts to practice on Friday, so perhaps he’s close to returning. Corey Davis, Jurrell Casey and four defensive backs also missed practice on Friday.
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OUR PREDICTION: The immediate reaction is to bet against the Panthers without Newton. But Ron Rivera called out his team for being sloppy offensively earlier this week, so clearly the Panthers have some urgency heading into today’s game in Tennessee. Newton expects to play Week 1 but if he can’t go, Rivera needs to ensure that Anderson and Co. are ready to play. Granted, just because Rivera called out his offense this week doesn’t mean they’ll play well today. But it’s hard to measure motivation for preseason games and I know the Panthers will have it today. Given the hook involved in this line, I’ll take a flier on Carolina.
NFL PRESEASON WEEK 2 PREDICTION: CAROLINA PANTHERS +3.5