Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers Preview
Where: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, CA
When: Sunday, September 10, 2017 – 4:25 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (-4.5) at San Francisco 49ers (+4.5); total: 47.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
Betting on the Carolina Panthers (-200)
The Panthers will be returning from a forgettable campaign. After racing to a 15-1 regular season record in 2015 and reaching the Super Bowl, they fell flat in 2016 and finished with an abysmal 6-10 card. The regression was also quite evident in scoring, as they went from topping the league to being a complete average (23.1 PPG, 15th overall).
With that, the front office did what they were supposed to do: get their quarterback, Cam Newton, new toys to play with. Among the additions are heralded rookies Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel, both of which were talented collegiate stars that produced big for Stanford and Ohio State, respectively. They will be joining three-time Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin in the passing game.
McCaffrey, a speedy, pass-catching, elusive back, should make an interesting backfield tandem with power runner, Jonathan Stewart.
Defensively, expect the team to be better than 2016, where they were 26th in points allowed (25.1 per game). The front seven should remain competitive (47 sacks in 2016, 2nd overall), as led by Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and last year’s leading pass-rusher, Mario Addison (9.5 sacks). One of the franchise’s all-timers and most beloved players, defensive lineman Julius Peppers, is returning home and will also provide help. The 37-year-old has 143.5 career sacks in his 15-year career.
The secondary will look to be more comfortable than ever, which they gradually did towards the end of 2016. The defensive backs, as you may remember, got smoked for much of last season by their pass-happy rivals in the NFC South.
Carolina was 2-6 on the road last season (3-4-1 ATS).
Betting on the San Francisco 49ers (+170)
It’s another year of trying to welcome a change, although it’s probably for the better since they sunk to a woeful 2-14 record this past year. Also, out of Jim Tomsula, Chip Kelly, and current coach Kyle Shanahan, it’s the latter that appears to be the most promising in the position.
Shanahan, as you may know, is fresh off his memorable stint in Atlanta. In there, he helped reach the full potential of the talented and explosive bunch of the Falcons, transforming them into one of the best scoring attacks in the league.
The 37-year-old coach is excited to do the same in San Francisco, and has already brought in several men that are familiar or fit to his aggressive style. Journeyman QB Brian Hoyer is among those guys; he threw 237.6 yards per game in 2014 while he was at Cleveland and had Shanahan as his coordinator, and it was his best year as a pro. Veteran receiver Pierre Garcon is also on the same boat, as he had career highs in receptions (113) and receiving yards (1,346) in 2013 courtesy of Shanahan’s pass-heavy offense.
Running back Carlos Hyde, who’s in his third season with the Niners, is poised to have a big year in this coaching regime. He had 988 yards on 4.6 yards per carry in 2016.
On defense, where they just ranked dead-last in total yards, there’s a good list of reinforcements that are generating optimism. 2017 first-round picks Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster headline that list, along with veterans Earl Mitchell and Elvis Dumervil. They will join a unit that’s lead by four-time All-Pro NaVorro Bowman and has rising second-year pass-rusher, DeForest Buckner, who had 43 tackles and six sacks in his rookie season.
The 49ers were 1-7 at home last season (2-6 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
The Niners (+4.5) win an offensive showdown, 30-28.
Create a betting account now to place some stakes on the final week of the preseason and just in time right before the regular season kicks off!
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