The New England Patriots (0-1) welcome the Carolina Panthers (1-0) to Gillette Stadium Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Panthers vs. Patriots odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Patriots didn’t give 2nd-year QB Mac Jones any plays in their opening preseason loss to the New York Giants. After ending the 1st quarter up 7-3, the Patriots eventually lost 23-21.
The combination of Jones, QB Bailey Zappe and QB Brian Hoyer will be what New England goes with in Week 1. Fans may get a better glimpse at the running back committee they’re destined to use as well.
The Panthers, who have a quarterback competition on their hands, beat the Washington Commanders. RB Christian McCaffrey did not play.
In the 23-21 victory last week, QB Baker Mayfield and QB Sam Darnold both got a series with the former going 4-for-7 for 45 yards and the latter going 2-for-3 for 16 yards and a touchdown. A report Thursday said Mayfield would be named the starter for Week 1.
Panthers at Patriots odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:44 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Panthers +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Patriots -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +3.5 (-130) | Patriots -3.5 (+105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)
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Panthers at Patriots picks and predictions
Prediction
Panthers 24, Patriots 20
Money line
BET PANTHERS (+115).
The Panthers have been in a heated quarterback battle, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they opted to play Darnold and Mayfield for the entirety of the first half. On the other hand, Jones may be too valuable to give multiple series to.
Even the Patriots backfield, which is a 3-headed monster, should see limited time.
The Panthers played well in the first quarter against Washington, jumping out to a 10-0 lead while the Giants beat the Patriots at Gillette and took a 10-7 lead into the half.
Carolina has more figuring out to do with its first string than New England, and in turn, I think it’ll want to see what it is working with. Against Washington, its top players thrived, and I expect the same on Friday evening.
Against the spread
PASS.
If you feel more comfortable playing Carolina +3.5, then by all means go that route, but I would suggest the plus-money play on the money line instead given the value.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 40.5 (-103).
Both teams went over this amount in their first preseason matchup with both teams totaling 44 points on identical 23-21 scores.
The Panthers are expected to name Mayfield their starter, which could mean more time on the field for Darnold. Similarly, fans should get to see Jones in action. The stars should be able to aid the scoring.
Given the scuffle that went on in a joint practice, the teams should be primed to give a little added effort which could also help the game keep a high pace. Nonetheless, betting NFL overs was a solid option in Week 1 and that should keep up as the preseason progresses.
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