C3 On the Line: Saints at Panthers

C3

On the Line

series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com

On the Line

is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

Saints -3 (49.5 O/U)

Here we are again, the Saints are marching to town and the division could be

On the Line

as it was last season when they visited Charlotte.   The stakes are strikingly similar to last season’s Saints at Panthers matchup, but the circumstances are the polar opposite.  Here’s what C3’s On the Line piece for this game last season noted:

Two 10-4 juggernauts meet Sunday at Bank of America Stadium to decide the NFC South division champion.  The Carolina Panthers host the New Orlean Saints in what looks to be a match between two titans.  The high powered Saints’ offense will try to take their game outdoors and topple Carolina’s league leading defense.  There is clearly a lot On the Line for both teams....This is like having an NFC South Championship game.  

Well 2014 has hardly produced the two titans bound for the playoffs as in 2013.  The Saints offense has sputtered at times, and the Panthers’ defense is among the league worst.  Like last year, the spread is 3 points (last year Carolina was favored) and likely this game will go a long way in determining the division champion.  This season, however, there will only be one playoff team representing the NFC South, and it may just be the winner of this game.  Again, there is a lot

On the Line

.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers -3   (Taking the Under 49.5)

My head tells me to pick the Saints, but my heart is in Carolina.  The defense showed signs of life last week, Star and Ealy played particularly well, and continue to see signs of offensive life.  Yes, the Panthers didn’t get into the endzone, but they did move the ball.  Hopefully, Shula, who has taken considerable heat, will rev up the offense a bit this week and get some results that ward off his termination.

The pieces have to come together at some point.  This week is going to have to be that week.  The Panthers back is to the wall after 1-4-1 in the last six weeks.  Another loss here would be devastating.  This to me is a division title match right here.  The team that walks out of BOA has to be the favorite to win the division.  Yes, New Orleans schedule gets tough and the Panthers gets easy.   I just don’t see Carolina winning in Philadelphia after a demoralizing loss at home.  There’s no choice, the Panthers have to get this win.  If they do, there’s a real chance they can parlay the victory into some real momentum.  

Carolina 24-20

Commish’s Bet:

Panthers +3

(Under the 49.5)

Tonight, all eyes in the NFL will be on Charlotte in a case of a “hot potato” ball game. Neither team has much that points to any sort of advantage over the other. Carolina’s offensive line (and team in general) has been completely decimated by injuries and the unit has been maligned lately even when healthy. Center Ryan Kalil can’t block TWO guys at once! We know the Panthers generally don’t play well at night, and the Saints don’t fare well on the road. Yeah - SOMETHING has to give, doesn’t it? Reminds me of the ancient commercial with “Mikey” eating cereal even though he “hates everything.” A bad road team going to play a bad night team on the road at night, ouch! I’m half expecting the Three Stooges to come out in the opening series and take up spots on the offensive line. With the Saints defense having regressed to 2012 and our own defense having played quite well last week at home, I’m just going to throw my hands up and say that the trend continues. The question becomes if the offense can put things together enough to score a few times. I think that they will, and a healthy backfield duo of Stewie and DeAngelo should help keep Brees on the sideline just enough to win it.

Carolina 24-21

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Panthers -3  (Taking the Over 49.5)

Like I wrote in my latest article, the Carolina Panthers are a bipolar team and we don’t know what to expect from week to week. The offense shows up one game and the next game the defense shows up. When will they both come together? This might be the game where the Panthers solve this issue. The Panthers are at home against a rival team and should bring their “A” game. Brees has plenty of weapons on offense and the Panthers defensive secondary will have to step up, and make some plays. The only way I see the Panthers winning this game is if the defense can get to Brees and pressure him all night. I believe  that the Panthers will make this a good game, but they won't come out on top.

Saints 28-24

C3 On the Line: Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks

C3

On the Line

series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com's 

On the Line

is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers 

Seattle -5.5 (45O/U)

The stakes are higher than they should be.  It’s not embarrassing to be dogs at home to the World Champions.  Nobody believed this was going to be an easy game.  That’s what we said about Green Bay last week, however.  The Packers impaled the Carolina Panthers.  It wasn’t a game, it was an annihilation of such epic proportions it didn’t matter how good the team was that delivered it.  The nature of the loss made this game against the Seahawks do or die.  Another loss of such proportions will decimate fans’ hope for this team.      

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Seahawks -5   (Taking the Over 45) 

It’s hard to write off last week as just a poor performance.  Things have been bad for Carolina, real bad.  The Panthers defense amongst the NFL’s worst at #27.  Carolina allows 137.6 ypg on the ground, with teams averaging a nauseating 5.3 yds per carry. It gets worse when you start to think about the 27.9 points per game Carolina allows.  The Panthers entire business plan is predicated on stopping the run and getting stingy in the redzone.  That isn’t happening, and, with Marshawn Lynch coming to town, things could get ugly.  What worries me about this game the most is not losing after a rough couple of weeks.  It is only the World Champions, but I'm not sure how Carolina can psychologically endure another blowout.  There's a lot

On the Line

 this week, much more than their should be the Panthers. They'll need to keep it close if they can't win outright to prevent this season from spiraling out of control.  

27-20 Seahawks

Commish’s Bet: Seahawks -5 (Taking the Over 45)  

We knew they were a-comin. The reigning world champs. This was supposed to be a “marquee matchup” for this week but both teams are really beating that humdrum drum. I don’t know that there’s another matchup that could BE more humdrum than the Seahawks (3-3) at Panthers (3-3-1) this week. The fact is the Seahawks’ FB, Derrick Coleman, is out for the second game in a row with a broken hand. His absence was what ultimately cost Seattle a win at the Rams last week, having broken it mere minutes before game time. Long story short, it means less Beast Mode this week and more Mighty Mouse. Indeed, Russell Wilson became the first player in NFL history to pass for 300+ yards AND run for 100+ yards in the same game. Sorry, Cam. However, the ‘Hawks have had a week to adjust without Beast Mode’s lead blocker and the Panthers’ run defense is completely atrocious this season, giving up an NFL-worst 5.3 yds/carry. Look for Seattle to use more single-back sets or with a TE as the FB to take advantage. The Panthers have major injury issues on both the offensive line and at running back and cannot run nor stop the run. ‘Nuff said.  31-23, Seahawks 

PanthersDrafter’s Bet: Seahawks +5.5   (Taking the Over 45) 

Like last week, our Panthers do have a shot and I hope I have it wrong here.  To win this one we must gain our swagger or mojo back.  Right now, we are not playing with confidence and confidence is everything in this league.  To win, we have to put pressure on Wilson and keep him in the pocket.  We also must attack their LBs and run plenty of quick slants and screens.  Now if we can get a couple of turnovers while not turning it over we can do this.  But the way we are playing I’ can say that we will.  31-20 Seahawks. (I just threw up in my mouth writing this prediction)

On the Line: Carolina at Green Bay

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers

Green Bay -6.5 (49.5 O/U)

For the first time in weeks, Sunday’s game doesn’t seem to be do-or-die.  Maybe it’s because winning in Green Bay against a decent Packers team is just difficult.  Another tough week on the road, the Carolina Panthers are +6.5 dogs in this week’s matchup against the surging Packers.  Here’s a look at if they can cover these stakes.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers 6.5   (Taking the Under 49.5)

There may be more homer in me than usual, but I think the Panthers can actually win this game.  Any Packer team led by Aaron Rodgers is going to be tough.  This Green Bay team has some real vulnerabilities, however.  Their defense isn’t intimidating and the offense, aside from the Rodgers consistency and an explosive receiving core, isn’t complete.  The offensive line has problems that have resulted in a less than impressive running game and the receivers aren’t that big.  If Carolina can limit big plays and get consistent pressure on Rodgers, the Panthers can look to control time of possession and pull out a win.   Carolina 24-23

Commish’s Bet: Packers +6.5 (Over the 49.5)

As the Professor said above, the Packers have issues with their offensive line and their defense isn’t an intimidating one. Does this situation sound familiar? Carolina’s season thus far is reminiscent of the Star Trek “Mirror Universe” where the Federation was the bad guys, Spock had a beard, and Sadism was a part of everyday life. Well, the Panthers of 2014 would seem to be a tad sadistic with the mystifying lawndart-like performance of the defense versus preseason expectations while the offense actually has been the squad carring the team to this point. The problem is the Packers are a different team at home and having had only two home games thus far, they’ll be chomping at the bit to play in front of a friendly crowd. They’ve also averaged 36.5 PPG in their two home games...both of which were victories. The Packers still have the edge in offense with Randall “Tex” Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and in powerful RB Eddie Lacy. The Panthers rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin is listed as questionable, but fully participated in practice. He has to hit benchmarks in the NFL’s Concussion Protocol to play, but even if he does play, he may not be 100%. The pivot-point as it were might be James Stewart as he’s the only Carolina RB with any experience healthy enough to play. Tolbert, Whittaker, and D-Will all are listed as doubtful. When all is said and done, I don’t see our secondary being able to hang with the number of weapons AR-12 has at his disposal. Cam’s heroics should keep the game within reach - look for him to run the ball 15+ times again - but too many factors point to the Packers having the upper hand in this contest. Unless and until I see some stability on Carolina’s defense, I can’t prognosticate any issues the Pack might have moving the ball, but Carolina’s game plan could make a difference. They’ll want to run the ball to keep AR-12 on the sidelines, but with the O-line issues added to the RB issues, Carolina should again struggle to run the ball both effectively and consistently.  Green Bay 38, Carolina 27

PanthersDrafter’s Bet:  Panthers -6.5   (Taking the Over 49.5) 

The Panthers certainly can win this one.  The Packers are susceptible to QBs like Cam that can run the read-option.  They gave up 49 yards rushing last week to Ryan Freaking Tannehill.  And there is no QB truly like Cam, is there?  Him running like he did last week is going to take us a long ways this season.  He has become the complete QB (at least he was last week).  He will need to unveil that S on his chest once again this week.   The difference in winning or losing will be can we run the ball and can we stop the run.  If JSTEW runs well, we will win.  Just not sure that will happen.  If we can stop Lacy, they become predictable which means we’ll get pressure on Rodgers in the second half.  However, I’ve been to Lambeau Field for a Panthers game.  That place is magical and I hate to say it, but it will take some good fortunes to win there.  I say we cover but fall short.  Hope I’m wrong. 31-30 Packers

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Panthers -6.5  (Taking the Over 49.5)

Before the season started I predicted the Packers to win this game 27-20. But, the Carolina Panthers defense is allowing opposing teams to score 21.16 points per game this season and is only getting worse. Having a defense that can’t pressure the quarterback and can’t cover wide receivers, is a bad combination when you’re going up against an elite quarterback . The Packers defense isn’t any better so this game is going to be a shootout. 31-24 Packers

On the Line: Panthers at Bengals

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals -7 (43.5 O/U)

The circumstances characterizing this game have more to do with the Cincinnati Bengals this week.  The Bengals were destroyed on Sunday night football by the New England Patriots.  Prior to last week, the Bengals defense had been dominant.  This week they will certainly look to bounce back against the Panthers.  

Carolina, on the other hand, had an uplifting comeback win against the Chicago Bears.  Cam and the offense were efficient and the defense bounced backed in the 2nd half, putting up 24 points and holding the Bears to 3 points.     

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers +7   (Taking the Under 43.5)

Originally, I thought the Bengals were going to win this game, and likely by more than 7 points.  AJ Green, however, went down in practice from a bad case of the turf toe and looks to be sitting out this Sunday.  His absence is a huge break for the Panthers, one they can capitalize on and cover this spread. This is such an important loss for the Bengals offense, that Carolina can do better than cover, however--they can win outright.  This looks to pan out to a defensive showdown, where Cam and Dalton will have to settle this head-to-head.  Turnovers will be the determinant of which one prevails.  17-13 Carolina

Commish’s Bet: Panthers +7 (Under the 43.5)  

Few Non-QB personnel losses in the NFL “move the line” like losing a star play of A.J. Green’s caliber, and last week’s loss at New England proved Cincy isn’t invincible after all. The last undefeated team to lose, the Bengals (gosh I still can’t believe we’re talking about the Bengals in these terms after decades of futility) are also playing with a Geno Atkins not at 100%. With Carolina’s running back group down to bare bones, that’s a gift the Panthers will take. The Bengals will be looking to avenge their first loss while the Panthers should be confident on the road and play hard until the final gun. Green’s loss means no dominant single playmaker on their offense while the defense still remains solid in any case. I think the Bengals win at home, but they’re really going to have to earn it. 21-17, Cincy

Freakin’ Puerto Rican’s Bet Panthers +7   (Taking the Under 43.5)

Last week we had a big win. Cam yelling at the players to get them focused is what I really liked about the win. Intestinal fortitude is what Carolina showed last week. This Sunday we will need more of the same. This Cincinnati team is a talented group. Prior to the Patriots drubbing, the Bengals were being touted as one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the NFL. Despite that fact, I still thought the Panthers to be capable of winning this game. Now with the news AJ Green is unlikely to play I feel even stronger about the chances for a Panthers win.

Carolina will win this game in the trenches. If they can get the running game going, and can keep Cam upright for most of the game, then they can win. Same goes for the defense. The D- line will need to stop the run and generate enough pressure to make Dalton uneasy in the pocket.

I say take the Panthers in this one, to win outright. I see the score being something around 20-17 so I would take the under too. Carolina has not looked good against AFC North teams to this point in the season, but they have a chance to establish some momentum in this one.

The Panthers are coming into the toughest part of their schedule and a win against Cincy would go a long way to giving this Carolina team continued confidence as the schedule gets more difficult. 20-17 Panthers

PanthersDrafter’s Bet: Bengals -7   (Taking the Over 43.5)

Our Panthers do have a shot and I hope I have it wrong here.  But if you don’t look at this through Panther glasses, you’ll see the odds are against us.  The Bengals are 10-1 at home vs. NFC opponents since 2011 and they are getting their Pro Bowl Middle-Linebacker back this week.  Plus they will come out with a focus to erase the memories of last week.  Yes, Green is out and that will help.  But Giovanni Bernard is the key to this offense and Sanu is an emerging star.  Hope I’m wrong Panther Nation. 31-20 Bengals

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Panthers +7  (Taking the Under 43.5)

I picked the Carolina Panthers to win this game 28-10 back in August, and I am sticking to that game prediction. The Bengals are banged up on both sides of the ball, so this is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to get the win. The Panthers defense won't have to worry about A.J. Green, so they can increase the pressure on Andy Dalton. Pressuring Dalton could result in a few turnovers and get Carolina Panthers in scoring position! 28-10 Panthers

On the Line: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Panthers -3 and 42 O/U

Carolina hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in a prime-time matchup Sunday evening.  Coming off the hottest start since 2008, the Panthers look to move to 3-0 against a struggling Steeler team which just suffered an embarrassing defeat by the Baltimore Ravens.  A victory Sunday for Carolina could garner the national attention so many fans have clamored for and make for the first 3-0 start since 2003.  So what’s really on the line in Bank of America Stadium this weekend.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3  (Taking the Under 42)

This line is just a slap in the face. Carolina has done nothing but outperform expectations in the first two games. Sure, Tampa Bay stinks, but the Detroit Lions weren’t any slouch. The Steelers, who looked terrible last Thursday, barely squeaked out a win versus the Cleveland Browns in week one. I’m sorry, but I’m just not a believer in the Browns yet. Add to this a Steelers team that is has allowed 172 yds/game rushing and 5 yards a carry, and I just can’t see this swiss cheese defense stopping anyone, even if the Panthers backfield is banged up.  The Panthers defense by the way is boss.  A banged up Big Ben, helming a turnover prone offense likely has Carolina salivating as we speak.  I’m knocking guys out of the way to take Carolina giving the points and the under.  This could easily turn into a blowout, but I don’t foresee Carolina giving up more than 10 points.  I'm knocking people out of my way to get to the betting window to take Carolina giving the points....give me the under too.  24-10 Carolina

Commish’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3 (Under 42)

I think I’ll surprise everyone this time by NOT being verbose. Panthers by 3? At home? That’s it? We give up 7 points to Stafford and Megatron last week and the over/under is 42?? Vegas generally gives home field advantage as 3 points for most teams, so in essence they’re saying Pittsburgh and Carolina are equivalent. Don’t be silly. And don’t drink and bet. 24-13 Carolina

Mel Mayock Bet Carolina -3 (taking the over 42)

Is this a trap game?  Being ranked 3rd in the Power Rankings and playing on a national-stage would ordinarily make me say the Panthers will lay an egg.  But the best thing about the Panthers (ever since we fired boring Ron Rivera and hired Riverboat Ron in Week 3 of last year) is that we do not fall prey to such things.  We no longer seem to fall apart at the first sign of adversity.  We now tend to make plays and control our own destiny.  Yes, the Steelers are not without their playmakers and the could beat us if we take them lightly.  We must slow down Bell and keep Brown from getting deep, but I fully anticipate a 10+ point victory Sunday night. 27-17 Carolina

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3 (Taking the under 42)

Everyone likes a shutout and that almost happened Thursday night when the Atlanta Falcons played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the Carolina Panthers could have one shutout this season, this could be that game. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has disappeared and the Panthers defense already made the Lions offense vanish into thin air. I am going to make a crazy prediction and say that the Panthers will dominate the Steelers on Sunday. 20-0 Carolina

On the Line: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.


It’s early and optimism abounds.  The high-powered Detroit Lions face the Carolina Panther on Sunday in the proverbial battle between offense and defense.  The line currently has Carolina as a small favorite, but given the traditional 3pt home-field advantage, this game is basically a pick’em. There’s more than points, however, On the Line for the Carolina Panthers than a few points.  A win against this profile offense would go long way to proving the Panthers season potential.

As of 9/12/14

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3  (Taking the Under 44)

It’s a pick’em, and I pick Carolina. Sunday’s match is a statement game for this defense. Calvin Johnson is a force that can’t be stopped. He’s going to get his tomorrow no matter what. Carolina’s front four will maul a banged up Detroit offensive line, and limit Detroit’s production to only CJ. If Detroit has to start UDFA Cornelius Lucas against Greg Hardy, look for Stafford to have a tough day. Add to that Detroit’s trouble in the secondary, and Cam’s return could make for an exciting display. I’m thinking Carolina will put up more points than usual and suppress Detroit’s offense. 27-17 Carolina.

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Detroit taking the points (Taking the Over 44)

My earlier prediction of this game has the Detroit Lions winning 28-17, and I am sticking with this. The Lions offense can score and the Lions defensive line is powerful. I am not saying that the Panthers don’t have a chance at winning, but this game will be a true test to what the Panthers will be a capable of this season.

Commish’s Bet: (Taking the Over 44)

Detroit’s high-powered offense collides with Carolina’s D in Charlotte. Defense wins this one as the Lions are a dome team playing on the road and facing the best defensive front they’ll likely see all year. Matt Stafford’s mobility may allow him to get some balls down the field, and they’ll certainly score some points, but beyond Detroit’s defensive line, there isn’t much there. Derek Anderson did a fine job last week, but he’s no Cam. The Carolina zone defense means eyes on the QB and if he scrambles, he’ll take away half the field by himself. Double Megatron, and Stafford will have to be more patient and methodical than he likes to be. Bush and Bell will find the yardage tough...other than short pass dump-offs. Megatron will still get his 7-100-1 line but the Panthers have the Sentinel in Kelvin Benjamin, who will negate a lot of Megatron’s production with some of his own. The Lions’ streak of 12 games without allowing a rushing TD ends. After a late Lions’ surge, Carolina takes it 27-24, taking the “over” here.

Mel Mayock Bet Carolina -3 (taking the over 44)

Before the season I picked this as a W for our beloved Panthers. Then I watched Calvin Johnson run roughshod over the Giant’s secondary and I had to rethink things. Here’s my prediction: Cam come’s in a bit rusty, goes three and out and the Lions take an early lead. But did you see Monster, Inc! Sunday? And I don’t mean my Fantasy Football team. As the game goes on, look for the Detroit running game to be severely limited by Star and KK. And with a 3rd- string RT, I look for our pass-rush to get to Stafford and for our D to take over. So long as Cam evens out and doesn't get pounded by Donkey Kong Suh, we should take over late and win pretty big. Carolina 31-20 is how I see this one playing out.