Panthers’ Quarterback Competition Gives Them Edge vs. Patriots in Preseason Week 2

The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback competition continues in Week 2 of the preseason, but it’s unclear how much Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield will play. 

Rookie Matt Corral was just 1-for-9 in the team’s win over Washington in Week 1, but P.J. Walker was really solid, throwing for 136 yards in extended playing time. 

The New England Patriots sat most of their starters in the opening week, and Mac Jones may not need preseason work with how he’s played so far in practice. 

Bill Belichick let Bailey Zappe rock in Week 1, does he do the same in Week 2? 

Here are the latest odds from WynnBET: 

Panthers vs. Patriots Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

• Panthers +2.5 (-110)
• Patriots -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Panthers +125
• Patriots -150

Total

• 40.5 (Over -115 / Under -115)

Panthers vs. Patriots Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Preseason Week 2

There has been very little movement in the odds since the beginning of the week, as the total has fallen from 41 to 40.5, and the Patriots have gone from -145 to -150 on the moneyline. 

Panthers vs. Patriots Best Bet and Prediction

These two teams got into a scuffle on Wednesday in their joint practice, so we could see both squads come out a little more motivated. 

I’m going to take the points with Carolina here, especially since they have a real quarterback competition to deal with, meaning more starters are going to be on the field. 

The Patriots seem content with letting Zappe play the majority of the snaps, and while he showed some flashes last week, the rookie and the Pats defense squandered a lead to the New York Giants. 

If you’re going to give me nearly a field goal with Darnold and Mayfield having to prove themselves early in this game, I’m going to take it. 

Lean: Panthers +2.5 (-110)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.