Two NFC teams coming off of tough losses meet this Sunday, as the Carolina Panthers play host to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season last week against the Dallas Cowboys 36-28. Sam Darnold and Carolina’s defense kept up with the high-powered Cowboys in the first half, but ultimately got left behind. The Eagles lost their third straight game this past Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs 42-30.
The Eagles defense is struggling while the Panthers have one of the best defensive units in the league. Jalen Hurts and his weapons have the potential to keep up on the scoreboard, however, so this one could be a fun affair.
The Eagles lead the all-time series against the Panthers 7-4 but Carolina has won two out of the past three meetings. Below, we will break down this matchup from a gambling perspective and examine the line movement, Over/Under and player props to consider. First, here’s how you can watch Sunday’s matchup.
All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.
How to watch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
TV: Fox | Stream: stream on fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Panthers -3, O/U 44.5
Line movement
Latest Odds: Carolina Panthers -3
This line reopened at CAR -4 last Tuesday, and didn’t move until it fell half a point to CAR -3.5 this past Tuesday. It fell to CAR -3 on Thursday, where it remained.
The pick: Panthers -3. This was actually one of my top five ATS picks of the week. Here’s what I said:
“The Eagles are coming off of a double-digit loss to the Kansas City Chiefs — who have a terrible defense. The Panthers, on the other hand, have the No. 3 defense in the league. This Panthers franchise has turned over a new leaf with Matt Rhule, and Sam Darnold has been playing fairly well. Somehow he’s now a dual-threat quarterback running speed options in the red zone. He leads the NFL with five rushing touchdowns and had two last week. Darnold has also turned up the Panthers’ passing game. D.J. Moore leads the NFL in 20-plus-yard receptions (eight), and is in the top four in receptions (30) and receiving yards with (398).
“Philly has flopped over its last three games. The Eagles lost a defensive matchup to the 49ers in Week 2 and then lost their last two games by double digits. Carolina had a wake-up call last week against the Dallas Cowboys but now return to its home fans for the first time since the season opener. The Eagles defense is struggling. Over the last two weeks, it ranks dead last in the league in average points allowed per game, average rushing yards allowed per game and third-down percentage. I’m going to lay the points with Carolina at home.”
Over/Under 44.5
Latest Odds: Over 46
The total reopened at 46.5 last Tuesday, fell to 45.5 this past Monday and then fell a full point on Friday.
The pick: Over 44.5. I don’t have a great read on this one, which makes me want to lean to the Over. The total has gone over in four of the Eagles’ last five games when playing on the road against the Panthers.
Player props
Jalen Hurts passing attempts: Over 30.5 (-130). I think this line is a bit too low. Hurts attempted a whopping 48 passes last week against the Chiefs, but naturally had to due to them being behind on the scoreboard. Still, he’s attempted at least 31 passes in two out of the other three games this season.
Dallas Goedert receiving yards: Over 35.5 (-115). I took Goedert’s Over on yards last week and it hit with ease, as Philly’s tight end caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. I’m going to take it again this week, as he’s recorded under 36 receiving yards just once all season.
Zane Gonzalez extra points made: Over 2.5 (-120). This prop is virtually “will the Panthers score three touchdowns?” While Gonzalez missed an extra point in Week 2, he has made all seven since then and has made at least three over the past two weeks.
