5 best bets for Week 2 NFL games

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs the ball in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs against San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers(-13.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers

FiftyFourPercent:

This is the biggest mismatch of the season so far, made worse for the 49ers by the scheduling dynamics that greatly favor Carolina.

Chip Kelly will try to have his team throw a lot of short underneath passes against Carolina’s rookie cornerbacks, who figure to be in lots of Cover-2 zone coverage. The Panthers have extra days from having opened the season this past Thursday and are boiling about blowing a double-digit lead to the Broncos in their Super Bowl rematch. Carolina has overwhelming edges at nearly every position, and its passing attack is stronger with Kelvin Benjamin back for Cam Newton. The 49ers are traveling on a short week after hosting the Rams this past Monday night.

Glauser:

I was all for this line until Monday night happened. The Panthers will still likely win by two touchdowns over the Niners, but the latter team may not be as inept as we once thought.

Yes, the 28-0 drubbing was at the hands of an even more inept Los Angeles Rams squad, but the 49er defense had the best statistical outing of any unit in the league last week, holding Case Keenum to a paltry 34.2 QB Rating to go along with allowing just 2.8 yards per carry.

But the Panthers ain’t the Rams. And with the likes of Newton, Jonathan Stewart and the rejuvenated Benjamin, they surely won’t be shut out. And after a gut punch loss to the Broncos to kick off the season, a chip on Carolina’s shoulder should far outweigh a Chip on San Fran’s sideline.

Next: The Bucs don't stop here

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