Admin September 4, 2024
Robert Griffin III on ESPN departure, NFL quarterbacks and more
Robert Griffin III is starting a new chapter in his media career. We talk with the former NFL quarterback about expectations for the upcoming season, and his partnership with Snickers.
The Carolina Panthers had a less-than-stellar 2023 to put it kindly. They were the worst team in the league and didn’t even get the first overall pick, having traded that pick away to the Chicago Bears all for Bryce Young to look abysmal. Good news though! The Panthers‘ new head coach Dave Canales has a knack for bringing the best out of his quarterbacks. If Bryce Young can take a leap forward in 2024, especially after being given weapons like Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, the Panthers could surprise some people. Perhaps they could even win six games this year.
The Panthers’ opponents will be the New Orleans Saints, who always seemingly fail to make any impact moves. This is a team that has been in a terrible cap situation for years and doesn’t have the talent to escape mediocrity. With star halfback Alvin Kamara slowing down in efficiency, there isn’t a lot to be excited about. That said, the Saints still play in the worst division in football, so perhaps a few lucky bounces here and there could find this team competing for a playoff spot.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Panthers vs. Saints odds, moneyline, over/under
The Saints are favorites to defeat the Panthers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
- Spread: Saints (-4.5)
- Moneyline: Saints (-200); Panthers (+165)
- Over/under: 41.5
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FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week
NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks
Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Jaguars vs. Dolphins | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers
Lorenzo Reyes: Saints 19, Panthers 13
I do think Carolina will eventually be much better with Dave Canales as head coach, but there are still questions about whether the Panthers can protect Bryce Young. New Orleans is the more talented team on paper, is playing in a favorable environment in the Superdome and should win here.
Tyler Dragon: Saints 21, Panthers 18
Can new head coach Dave Canales unlock Bryce Young and the Panthers offense? They’ll have an early test of the road versus an NFC South rival. Saints head coach Dennis Allen and starting QB Derek Carr both enter the season on the hot seat. Allen and Carr could lose their jobs if New Orleans doesn’t clinch a playoff spot this year.
Safid Deen: Saints 26, Panthers 17
The Panthers rebuild is coming along gradually, but the Saints’ veteran experience and continuity will be tough to overcome in the opener.
Richard Morin: Saints 24, Team 13
It’s got to be the Saints here. Playing at home against a team searching for an early identity is a recipe for success, but New Orleans will have some soul-searching of its own to do later this season.
MOST VALUABLE BET: Who is the favorite to win NFL MVP in 2024?