49ers vs. Panthers Prediction: San Francisco Defense Will Give Baker Mayfield Nightmares

The San Francisco 49ers defense is on a historic pace through the first four weeks, and now they have the benefit of taking on one of the worst offenses in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers.

Can Baker Mayfield defy the odds and lead Carolina to an upset, or will San Francisco take another step in the right direction?

Let's break down the latest odds for this NFC showdown.

49ers vs. Panthers Odds, Spread, and Total

49ers vs. Panthers Odds, Spread, and Total Movement

The 49ers opened as 4-point favorites on Sunday night. After their Monday Night Football win over the Rams, the line reopened at -6.5 in their favor. It has stayed at -6.5 throughout the week. The total has dropped anywhere from a point to a point and a half, from 40 to 38.5 or 39, depending on where you bet.

49ers vs. Panthers Prediction and Pick

I see no way that you can possibly justify a bet on the Panthers in this game. The Panthers got a chance to face one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season in the Arizona Cardinals, and still struggled to move the ball throughout the contest.

The 49ers are leading the NFL in opponent yards per play, allowing just 3.8 yards per snap. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 27th in yards per play, averaging just 4.9 yards per play. Not only that, but the Panthers are dead last in third down conversion percentage, getting a first down on just 25.53% of their third down plays.

Want to take pass rush? The Panthers are 26th in QB sacked percentage, allowing a sack on 8.59% of drop backs, and the 49ers lead the league in QB sack percentage, taking down the opposing QB on 10.42% of their drop backs.

This is a mismatch in every sense of the word. I think the 49ers will win big in this one.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.