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A rare interconference matchup is on deck in Charlotte for the Carolina Panthers (0-1) home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0).
The Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles is off to a victorious after the Chargers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. The defense was stout and even though the offense wasn’t thunderous, J.K. Dobbins had a breakout game that should given the unit a spark and Justin Herbert a solid weapon.
It’s tough to find anyone that had a tougher first week of the season than the Panthers, who were straight up ripped apart by the New Orleans Saints in a game that was never a contest. There was hope Bryce Young could take a big leap in 2024, and he’ll have a chance to change the negative narrative surrounding him against another tough defense.
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FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week
Dolphins vs. Bills | Ravens vs. Raiders | Panthers vs. Chargers | Cowboys vs. Saints | Lions vs. Buccaneers | Packers vs. Colts | Jaguars vs. Browns | Vikings vs. 49ers | Patriots vs. Seahawks | Titans vs. Jets | Commanders vs. Giants | Cardinals vs. Rams | Chiefs vs. Bengals | Broncos vs. Steelers | Texans vs. Bears | Eagles vs. Falcons
I just don’t trust the Panthers to cover anything less than a touchdown. Carolina has too many holes on its roster, a leaky offensive line and Bryce Young should struggle against a diverse and complex defense. I think the Chargers cruise.
Jim Harbaugh got his first win as a Chargers head coach in Week 1. Los Angeles performed much differently with Harbaugh at the helm – stout defense and a solid running game. The Panthers were listless in their opener and have a lot of work to do. Bryce Young is still developing, but you’d like to see market improvement from Year 1 to Year 2. The Chargers haven’t started a season 2-0 since 2012.
The Chargers’ offense might be sleepy with an early start, but they still have plenty to take care of the lowly Panthers. The under is pretty low, but I might still go for it.
If you watch football for offense, this isn’t the game for you. Jim Harbaugh has no problem with his defense ruling the day while his offense is still trying to figure itself out, and Carolina just isn’t there yet when it comes to showing it’s an improved team. The Chargers have only beaten the Panthers once, back in 2004, and they get their second victory on Sunday. This is a good candidate to hit the under.
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