Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers will look to score a win in their first road game of the season in Week 3 against the Houston Texans. The Panthers are the favorites here, but the Texans seem to be capable of pulling off an upset win at home. Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Carolina Panthers vs Houston Texans Regular Season Week 3 Game on September 23, 2021
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston
When: Thursday, September 23, 2021, 8:20 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (-7) vs Houston Texans (+7) – view all 2021 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NFLN
Betting on the Carolina Panthers (-7)
Regular Season Record: 2-0
The Panthers are off to a great start. The addition of Sam Darnold continues to look like a great decision for Carolina, which is now 2-0 to start the season. The Panthers followed up their 19-14 win over the New York Jets in Week 1 with a 26-7 home victory last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Darnold is clearly more comfortable this time than when he was with the Jets, and it’s showing in his play. Against the Saints, Darnold passed for 305 yards and two touchdowns and interception on 26/38 completions. But the defense has also been solid for Carolina. The team had two defensive interceptions and sacked Jameis Winston four times a week after the Saints terrorized the Green Bay Packers. Darnold and company can sustain their momentum in Week 3 against Houston’s soft defense that has allowed 21 points in Week 1 and 31 in Week 2.
The Panthers are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games overall. They are 2-0 ATS so far this season.
Betting on the Houston Texans (+7)
Regular Season Record: 1-1
Houston is 1-1 after two weeks. That’s not too bad, considering the Texans were not expected to have a good season, with the uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson. The Texans, however, could have a harder time going forward, as Tyrod Taylor might not be avaiable to play in Week 3 due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2’s 31-20 road loss to the Cleveland Browns. Mills stepped in for Tylor in the second half of that game and finished with a shaky stat line of 102 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception on 8/18 completions. The Texans might have to rely more on their ground attack against Carolina. The trio of Mark Ingram, David Johnson, and Philip Lindsay are all capable running backs, who could surprise Carolina’s defense. Mills can also pull of a surprise under center, as he prepares this time knowing he’s going to be the starter of the next game.
The Texans are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games on the road overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Carolina wins, 24-20.
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