Carolina Panthers vs Las Vegas Raiders

The Carolina Panthers have really struggled to score the football. Going back to their last two games a year ago, they have now produced a total of 13 points in their last four games. Despite the fact that Bryce Young has thrown 3 INT's and 0 TDs through two games with a passer rating of 44, many believe he will still make it. This week he will be benched a Las Vegas team that may be flat afer a huge win vs. Baltimore on the road. Now they see Carolina as a cupcake and they may be still celebrating last week's win. Let's not forget they opened with a 12 point loss to the Chargers. I think it will do Carolina good getting away from home, and I think this game is closer than expected. Make the play on Carolina.

It's Week 1, which means the defenses should be ahead of many offenses. And this season it's even more challenging for offenses to develop cohesion as preseason was canceled. The Las Vegas Raiders are still rebuilding on an offense that is short on speed and playmakers, finishing #24 in points in 2019. The offense won't have to score as much, however, as they did a very good job in improving the defensive line and secondary to compliment some budding young talent in DEs Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. Of the 13 players signed in free agency, seven were on defense, as was the largest chunk of their salary cap space. The Raiders are 23-9 UNDER the total on natural grass, 7-1-1 UNDER as road chalk, while six of their last eight have gone UNDER in Week 1. Carolina doesn't scare anyone on offense. The players will be learning a new playbook under first-year coach Matt Rhule as he is working with newcomer QB Teddy Bridgewater. The offensive line was bad last year, and they did almost nothing to address it. The Panthers chose seven defensive players in the draft, none on offense! The Raiders should have some success running the football against a weak Carolina D-line, which will mean long drives that chew up the clock. All of which means look for more punts and field goals than TDs. Play this game to stay UNDER the total.

Oakland has a scheduling disadvantage playing on a short week after its 27-20 win over Houston in Mexico City on Monday Night. Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to eke out a win, but the Raiders gained only 30 yards on the ground on 20 carries for a 1.5 average. The Texans outgained Oakland 354-325, and Brock Osweiler had a decent performance completing 26 of 39 for 243 yards. The Raiders have covered the spread just two of their last nine home games, and they're 3-18 ATS their last 21 home games as favorites against teams with losing records. Carolina has won three of its last four games after a 1-5 start as its defense has stepped up and allowed an average of just 17.5 points in that span. The Panthers beat New Orlenas 23-20 last Thursday which gives them an extra three days to rest and prepare for this matchup. The Saints scored 17 points in the fourth quarter for a backdoor cover, but the Panthers were in control most of the game. Cam Newton was 14 of 33 for 192 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Carolina has the big edge on defense as it is #15 in the league in yards allowed (353.5), and the Raiders are #29 (393.6). The Panthers have gone UNDER four of their last five after a win and their last three games overall. Play the Panthers and the UNDER.

I'm not sure if their was ever an uglier display on an NFL field than what Oakland showed last week. They finished the game with 77 total yards of total offense. Defensively, Atlanta scored on its first four possessions, and basically took a knee the rest of the game. As a result, there isn't anyone that wants any part of this Oakland team right now. The public is hammering Carolina like they know the final score, and it's as if the books are giving out free money for the approaching Holiday season. Guess what folks. They aren't that dumb! I love the Raiders here! Can you imagine the week the Oakland players and staff has had? They were disgraced - plain and simple. They had NOTHING good to point to last week. Al Davis went as far as to fire the guy he just paid $8M to in the offseason (DeAngelo Hall). The TV talking heads point to that and say "This team is in disarray. Carolina's gonna kill them." I view it differently. This team has had enough (at least for one week). Players will be playing for their jobs. In addition, they will be playing for themselves. Every professional athlete has pride, and rest assured the Raiders will bring it for this one. Carolina can't possibly be up for this game. Home teams coming off a shutout invariably play better the next game out. Carolina is just 1-2 on the road, scoring 13 ppg this season. I know, it's hard to bring yourself to back the Raiders after what they have done the past couple of weeks. But, that's exactly why this is a top-play this week.