NFL
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS PREDICTIONS
PICKS
LV Raiders Win -3.0 Point Spread
-120
Under 48.0 Game Totals
-110
Point Spread Pick
NFC vs. AFC here in the first week of the season as the new look Carolina Panthers host the Las Vegas Raiders. ‘New look’ might actually be an understatement, as virtually everything about this Panthers team has changed. They’re replacing their quarterback, their coaching staff, and their two best players on defense. As such I think they’re at a massive disadvantage due to the lack of continuity with the heavily shortened offseason, and I’m making a play on Las Vegas. The Raiders quietly made major strides last year in their second season under Jon Gruden, and I’m expecting another leap in year three. They’ve got a very solid offensive line, and the addition of first-round receiver Henry Ruggs should be huge for Derek Carr. Without James Bradberry or Luke Kuechly, the Panthers don’t really have many playmakers left on defense. The Matt Rhule era will not be starting off with a bang, take the Raiders.
Game Totals Pick
I’m also playing the under in this opener. Teddy Bridgewater is the Panthers’ new starting quarterback, and I’m not too optimistic about his outlook. He’s got a very inspirational story and is easy to root for, but he’s also started only six games since the 2015 season. Those starts also came under Sean Payton, and with an elite Saints roster around him. Now he’s going to be behind a much worse offensive line, and I don’t think he’s going to fare very well. The Raiders are going to want to pound the rock with Josh Jacobs, and Carolina will be handing it off to Christian McCaffrey a ton, as well, which will keep the clock moving.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS VS. CAROLINA PANTHERS PREDICTIONS
PICKS
LV Raiders Win -3.0 Point Spread
-120
Under 48.0 Game Totals
-110
Point Spread Pick
NFC vs. AFC here in the first week of the season as the new look Carolina Panthers host the Las Vegas Raiders. ‘New look’ might actually be an understatement, as virtually everything about this Panthers team has changed. They’re replacing their quarterback, their coaching staff, and their two best players on defense. As such I think they’re at a massive disadvantage due to the lack of continuity with the heavily shortened offseason, and I’m making a play on Las Vegas. The Raiders quietly made major strides last year in their second season under Jon Gruden, and I’m expecting another leap in year three. They’ve got a very solid offensive line, and the addition of first-round receiver Henry Ruggs should be huge for Derek Carr. Without James Bradberry or Luke Kuechly, the Panthers don’t really have many playmakers left on defense. The Matt Rhule era will not be starting off with a bang, take the Raiders.
Game Totals Pick
I’m also playing the under in this opener. Teddy Bridgewater is the Panthers’ new starting quarterback, and I’m not too optimistic about his outlook. He’s got a very inspirational story and is easy to root for, but he’s also started only six games since the 2015 season. Those starts also came under Sean Payton, and with an elite Saints roster around him. Now he’s going to be behind a much worse offensive line, and I don’t think he’s going to fare very well. The Raiders are going to want to pound the rock with Josh Jacobs, and Carolina will be handing it off to Christian McCaffrey a ton, as well, which will keep the clock moving.