Carolina Panthers Season Win Total Odds, Pick & Prediction

The Carolina Panthers proved to be a winning investment for NFL bettors a season ago regardless of firing their head coach midway through the year and shuttling arguably the best running back in the league to the 49ers. The 7-10 showing (9-8 ATS) saw the team just come up short of punching a ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 while at the same time snap a four-season streak of failing to exceed its season win total odds. Upper management made the decision to go all-in on the 2023 NFL Draft by giving the Chicago Bears a huge haul to take back the top overall pick. It was turned into Alabama standout QB Bryce Young whom the franchise hopes brings stability back to the position like Cam Newton immediately did back in 2011. I’m not sold on that premise coming to fruition; at least not right out of the chute! Even so, this Panthers team plays in a division that looks to be wide open when going by the current futures odds over at PointsBet Sportsbook. Their rate of return currently clocks in at 4-1 which offers up some value considering it possesses a schedule strength expected to be one of the easiest of all 32 teams.

Carolina Panthers: Was Bryce Young Worthy of the No. 1 Pick?

Before diving into the upcoming season, let’s take a quick look back at the Panthers’ performance in 2022-23. The team started the season with a 1-5 record, which led to the firing of Head Coach Matt Rhule. However, under interim Head Coach Steve Wilkes and with backup quarterbacks PJ Walker and Sam Darnold, the Panthers managed to turn things around and finished the season with a 6-5 record. Although they made a late push to win the NFC South, they ultimately came up short. The Panthers’ offense had its struggles, but the run game was a bright spot. With an underrated offensive line that ranked 9th in adjusted line yards created that surrendered the second lowest pressure rate in the NFL, the Panthers had success running the football. Defensively, the team had a roller coaster season, finishing No. 17 in overall EPA (Expected Points Added) while getting ripped through the air (No. 22) and conceding a fair amount of yardage on the ground as well (No. 18).

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Carolina Panthers Season Wins Total: 7.5

Looking ahead to 2023-24, the Carolina Panthers have a win total set at 7.5, according to the latest NFL win totals at PointsBet Sportsbook. That’s a 1.5-game jump for a team breaking in a new coaching staff and quarterback with new faces also installed onto both sides of the ball. Carolina has gotten the benefit of running up against easy schedules the last two seasons; something that happens when you win a grand total of 10 games through 33 tries. However, this year’s slate is expected to be the easiest with the folks at Sharp Football Analysis ranking their schedule strength as the fourth easiest behind the division rival Saints and Falcons along with the Colts. One favorable aspect of the schedule is the number of games against rookie quarterbacks or those considered bottom tier. They are expected to face seven such quarterbacks, which ties them for third most in the league. Additionally, the Panthers will potentially square off against rookies Anthony Richardson, CJ Stroud, and Will Levis should the Titans get out to a rough start.

Case for the Over

There are several reasons to consider betting on the Carolina Panthers surpassing their win total in successive seasons. One of the key factors is the arrival of Young, who was selected with the top overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The Panthers traded up to secure his services, hoping he can provide stability and production at the quarterback position, something they have been lacking since the prime years of Cam Newton. If the former Heisman winner excels and lives up to expectations, the Panthers’ offense could significantly improve, leading to more victories.

To support Young, the front office made some notable acquisitions in free agency. Veterans Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark were added to the wide receiver corps, while Miles Sanders was brought in to fill the void left by Christian McCaffrey and D’Onta Foreman in the backfield. If these experienced playmakers stay healthy and perform at a high level, they will provide Young with the necessary weapons to see a big jump in offensive production. The Panthers also benefit from having the fourth easiest schedule based on win totals, with six games lined up against teams that finished with sub-.500 records.

Case for the Under

While there are reasons to be optimistic about the Panthers’ chances of exceeding their win total, there are also factors to consider that could lead to the team coming up short. One potential concern is the possibility of Bryce Young starting slow in his rookie season. The first six games leading up to the Week 7 bye won’t be a walk in the park. History has shown that rookie quarterbacks often face challenges, and it may take some time for Young to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. If he struggles early on, it could impact the Panthers’ ability to stockpile early-season wins.

Another consideration is the performance of the Panthers’ offseason signings. While players like Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark bring experience and potential, there are uncertainties surrounding their production. Thielen, in particular, has seen a decline in his performance in recent seasons, and Chark has struggled with injuries. If these players fail to make a significant impact or underperform, it could hinder what the Panthers’ planned to do offensively.

Carolina Panthers Schedule

Week 1: at Falcons

Week 2: vs. Saints (MNF)

Week 3: at Seahawks

Week 4: vs. Vikings

Week 5: at Lions

Week 6: at Dolphins

Week 7: Bye Week

Week 8: vs. Texans

Week 9: vs. Colts

Week 10: at Bears (TNF)

Week 11: vs. Cowboys

Week 12: at Titans

Week 13: at Buccaneers

Week 14: at Saints

Week 15: vs. Falcons

Week 16: vs. Packers

Week 17: at Jaguars

Week 18: vs. Buccaneers

Carolina Panthers Season Win Total Analysis

It took until Week 18, but the Panthers found a way to take care of us by winning that season finale over the Saints and cash the over of their season win total odds. Though oddsmakers seem bullish on the team entering 2023-24, I’m not sold. I personally don’t believe Young was worthy of being the No. 1 pick in the draft, and unloading D.J. Moore to acquire his services was a huge cost. While he might prove me wrong, his size and inability to separate with his legs leads me to believe a rough rookie campaign is in store for Carolina’s newly anointed QB1. And if you think Thielen and Chark are the answer to get the offense going, I got some beautiful Antarctic beach front property to sell you. The former partook in a full slate of games for the first time in three seasons last year and enters his age 33 season, while the latter has never once been able to withstand the injury bug for a full season. You’re better off attacking the reduced season-long player props of Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo at PointsBet since I can foresee each being integral pieces to the puzzle once the vets inevitably go down. I didn’t understand the hiring of Frank Reich either! As such, the Panthers are a team I’ll be fading from both season-long and in-season perspectives all year long.

Carolina Panthers Season Win Total Prediction: Under 7.5 +100

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