The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers are about to get extremely familiar with one another. Not only are the two teams set to play each other in a preseason game Friday night in Massachusetts. The two sides will also hold joint practices Tuesday and Wednesday.
As is typical with anyone trying to make Patriots vs. Panthers score predictions in the preseason, keeping an eye on the injury report is vital.
With the risk of NFL injuries, many coaches prefer to keep things on the safe side for exhibition games. Even for teams with holes at important positions, like the Panthers have at quarterback, coaches tend not to want to take risks.
Patriots Against Panthers Matchup Preview
Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule started Baker Mayfield at quarterback over Sam Darnold in the first preseason game but wouldn’t commit to either player playing against New England.
Rhule also said the team won’t name a starter until at least a week from Friday. In the first preseason game for Carolina, Philip Walker saw the most time at quarterback, while rookie Matt Corral also got in.
Patriots at the NFL Standings
The New England Patriots are worried about maintaining their spot in the NFL standings. The Patriots didn’t play quarterback Mac Jones at all in their 23-21 loss to the New York Giants in their preseason opener.
People have seldom worried about evaluating how NFL teams handle the preseason since Bill Belichick took over as coach.
Patriots vs. Panthers Odds Breakdown
Anyone looking at NFL betting odds will see at the time of publication that the Carolina Panthers are 1.5-point road favorites against New England.
The Panthers are -130 on the moneyline, while New England is +107. The over/under is set at 40.5 points.
Patriots vs. Panthers Betting Preview
Patriots Analysis
People making NFL betting picks will want to keep an eye on the Patriots’ offensive line situation. Jones is unlikely to play once again, leaving the backup quarterbacks to play behind an offensive line that is shuffling due to injuries.
Isaiah Wynn, supposed to start during the regular season, has been sitting out recently due to injuries.
Wynn’s absence has allowed Yodny Cajuste and Justin Herron opportunities to play in his absence. During New England’s first preseason game, Bailey Zappe took a majority of the snaps at quarterback, completing 19-of-32 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown.
Brian Hoyer also saw action, completing 5-of-8 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots had a hard time running the ball, finishing with 52 yards on 18 carries.
Patriots Training Camps
Reports of New England’s camp have been that the offense has been struggling. While most of the first unit won’t truly get playing time until the regular season, the New England Patriots may have a sense of urgency to get the offensive line moving.
If New England can have continuity in the trenches, that should help the skill players catch up.
Panthers Analysis
Carolina’s offense produced a mixed performance on offense during their preseason opener. The Panthers didn’t turn the ball over and allowed three sacks against the Washington Commanders.
Carolina only produced 4.1 yards per play during a game where it played four quarterbacks. If Rhule doesn’t play Mayfield or Darnold, it may provide more continuity for Carolina’s offense.
The Panthers were efficient against the Commanders, converting 11 of their 18 third-down attempts. During their first preseason game, the Carolina Panthers only had Corral attempt nine passes.
NFL Appearances
Following a 1-of-9 start to his first NFL appearances, Carolina will want to get its rookie quarterback some work to build his confidence.
The Panthers didn’t play running back Christian McCaffrey at all and won’t play all preseason. McCaffrey has been struggling with injury issues the past few years, and exposing him in the preseason isn’t worth the risk.
New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers Pick and Prediction
Patriots vs. Panthers Score predictions for this preseason game will heavily depend on who Carolina plays at quarterback. Anyone looking to bet on this game should keep a close eye on the injury report.
Should the Panthers go with one of the contenders to win the starting job in the regular season, that would definitely give Carolina the edge over New England, which will likely play things safe.
One added dimension about this game that is unique is the fact the teams will hold joint practices during the week.
Who to Bet On?
With a chance to gain some familiarity with each other before they meet in a game, this is a game that will likely go under the total and see both teams more prepared than they typically would be for a preseason game.
Final Score Prediction: New England 17, Carolina 10
NFL Pick: Patriots +2.5 (13/15)
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