The Denver Broncos (4-8) visit the Carolina Panthers (4-8) on Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Bank of America Stadium. Below, we preview the Broncos-Panthers betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and predictions.
Broncos at Panthers: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 6 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Broncos +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Panthers -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Broncos +3 (-105) | Panthers -3 (-115)
- Over/Under: 46.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Broncos at Panthers: Game notes
- The Broncos were scrappy in a 22-16 loss against the defending Super Bowl champ Chiefs in Kansas City last time out. They easily covered a 13-point number as the Under hit for the fourth consecutive outing.
- Denver plays in the Eastern Time Zone for the fifth time this season. They’re 2-2 SU in their four previous trips east, but they have covered in three of the four outings.
- The Broncos rank a dismal 31st in the NFL in scoring, posting just 18.8 PPG, but they have been effective running the ball, averaging 118.9 yards per game on the ground. They’re strong against the pass, too, giving up just 218.7 passing yards per contest.
- The Panthers lost a nail-biter in Minnesota prior to the bye, falling 28-27 as three-point underdogs. While they have eight losses, six of those setbacks are in one-score contests. Carolina is an impressive 7-1 ATS in the previous eight as an underdog.
- Carolina has been missing star RB Christian McCaffrey for a chunk of the season. The latter injured his quadriceps during a workout in the bye week and is once again on the shelf.
Broncos at Panthers: Key injuries
Broncos
- OG Graham Glasgow (foot) doubtful
- S Trey Marshall (shin) questionable
Panthers
- S Tre Boston (hamstring) questionable
- CB Rasul Douglas (not injury related) questionable
- RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder, thigh) doubtful
- TE Ian Thomas (knee) questionable
Broncos at Panthers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Broncos 23, Panthers 19
Money line (?)
The BRONCOS (+135) are worth a play on the road, as they have been sharp in recent weeks against good teams. Yes, they had that ugly 31-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 12, but that’s an anomaly, and they were starting a practice-squad quarterback due to COVID.
The Panthers (-160) just cannot get over the hump in close games, and missing McCaffrey again won’t help their cause.
Against the spread (?)
The BRONCOS +3 (-105) are a decent play catching the three if you’re not feeling them straight up. Eight of Carolina’s 12 games have been decided by one score, with two of the past four decided by two points or less.
Over/Under (?)
UNDER 46.5 (-115) is a good play here, as the Under has hit in four straight for Denver. Yes, the Over is an impressive 7-0 for Carolina in the past seven following a bye, but this team has a totally different complexion than the previous seven instances, which saw QB Cam Newton under center and McCaffrey in the backfield for most.
Neither of those two will be wearing Carolina blue and black in this one, so the stat is rather meaningless. The Under is 4-1 in Carolina’s past five at BoA, and that’s much more telling.
Want action on this NFL game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Broncos vs. Panthers injury report: Christian McCaffrey doubtful for Week 14 (Broncos Wire)
- Panthers activate 3 more players from reserve/COVID-19 list (Panthers Wire)
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