The Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots open their preseasons Thursday. Kickoff from Gillete Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Patriots odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Panthers finished a measly 2-15 last season for the worst record in not just the NFC South, but the entire NFL. To improve, Carolina added DE Jadeveon Clowney on defense and WR Diontae Johnson on the offensive side of the ball. Since its No. 1 overall pick went to the Chicago Bears this year — part of a deal that helped it land QB Bryce Young in 2023 — Carolina selected WR Xavier Legette at No. 32 with its 1st pick in the 2024 draft.
New England also finished at the bottom of its conference, with a 4-13 record last season. While the Patriots didn’t make many offseason headlines for acquisitions, they parted ways with 6-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick, as well as QB Mac Jones, who was traded to Jacksonville. The Patriots added QB Drake Maye with the 3rd overall pick in the draft.
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Panthers at Patriots odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Patriots -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +6.5 (-105) | Patriots -6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 33.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Panthers at Patriots picks and predictions
Prediction
Patriots 17, Panthers 9
Moneyline
PASS.
There is no value on the Patriots’ moneyline in this game.
Against the spread
BET PATRIOTS -6.5 (-115).
Even with a 6.5-point spread, the Patriots still hold the advantage Thursday. With the addition of Maye and QB Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots have a deeper QB rotation which should be able to captain solid offensive possessions.
While the Panthers have many players vying for starting roles on a team that is as open as any, they do not have what it takes to keep this game close on the road. Carolina was 0-3 straight up in the preseason last year.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 33.5 (-110).
Both teams have a lot of issues to work out from last season, with both struggling to move the ball and put up points. Last year, the Panthers were shut out in Week 1 of the preseason and scored more than 6 points in just 2 of their 12 preseason quarters.
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