Will Overs Remain Undefeated in NFL Prime Time Games?

The NFL has made a decisive effort to put points on the menu in standalone night games in 2021.

Through the first two weeks of the NFL season, there have been six games already featured in prime time. In every game, the OVER has hit. Unders are 16-10 in every other game this season.

Week 1:
- Cowboys 29, Buccaneers 32 - OVER 52.5
- Bears 14, Rams 34 - OVER 46.5
- Ravens 27, Raiders 33 - OVER 50.5

Week 2:
- Giants 29, Washington Football Team 30 - OVER 41.5
- Chiefs 35, Ravens 36 - OVER 54.5
- Lions 17, Packers 35 - OVER 49.5

With 32 games played heading into Thursday Night Football between the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, should bettors expect this trend to continue? Let's take a quick look at all three matchups.

Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans

Spread: Panthers -8

TOTAL: 43

The total has only shifted a half-point after the news was confirmed that Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills would get the start for the injured Tyrod Taylor. WynnBET does not expect much offense from the Houston side despite 58 points scored through their first two games. The Texans' over/under for team points is listed at just 16.5 at odds of -110 on both sides.

Meanwhile, the Panthers' offense has looked strong, but it's their defense that's been winning games for them. Carolina has only given up 21 points all season through two games. Tonight is their first test on the road, but with a rookie quarterback and a shot at a 3-0 start, I think we see the first under in prime time hit tonight.

You can check out the full team's best bets for Thursday Night Football here.

PREDICTION: UNDER 43

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers

Spread: 49ers -3.5

TOTAL: 50.0

Both teams were gashed on defense in Week 1, with Green Bay allowing 38 points against the New Orleans Saints, and the 49ers giving up 33 on the road to the Detroit Lions. The following week, both defenses allowed a combined 28 points.

The Packers' got their offensive mojo together in the second half, down 17-14 to the Lions with three more scores and shut out Detroit in the second half.

Interestingly enough, this total has jumped two points since opening at 48. I expect it to climb a little higher to maybe even 50.5, in which case I'll wait to play the under.

PREDICTION: UNDER 50

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

Spread: Cowboys -4

TOTAL: 52

After seeing the Eagles and Cowboys' offenses sputter in Week 2, the public seems to expect more of a shootout at Jerry World on Monday Night Football in Week 3.

Philly's defense has exceeded expectations through the first two games, allowing just 23 points combined against Atlanta and San Francisco, but they'll have their hands full against Dak Prescott and several of the Cowboys' playmakers.

Meanwhile, after the Cowboys gave up 32 in Week 1 to the Buccaneers, they put up a strong defensive performance against Justin Herbert and the Chargers on the road in a 20-17 win at SoFi Stadium.

The Chargers beat themselves here and there, but Dallas limited a team with the reigning rookie of the year in Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler to just 17 points at home. Meanwhile, are you thought of any less by giving up 32 points to Tom Brady and the Bucs? Considering that Brady is on pace to throw 74 touchdowns in a 17-game season (he has nine through two weeks), limiting them to just 32 feels like an accomplishment.

Public bettors love the Cowboys and love overs. I'll fade the likely rising total.

PREDICTION: UNDER 52

Which prime time games are you looking to bet on this weekend?

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