Seven months ago, Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers were overwhelmed by the Denver Broncos’ pass rush in Super Bowl 50, but they are a slight favorite entering the rematch that kicks off the National Football League season on Thursday.
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Oddsmakers have listed the Panthers as 3-point favourites against the Broncos, while the game’s total now sits at 41.5 points. The over/under total for the game has been set at 41.5 points.
For Carolina, tonight is all about redemption after the Panthers were devastated by their loss to Denver in last year’s Super Bowl.
The Panthers are coming off an NFC Championship and a 17-2 overall record where they went an impressive 13-6 against the spread. Denver’s top-rated defense held Carolina QB Cam Newton to his worst passer-rating day of the season in Super 50. The Panthers had 44 sacks and forced 39 turnovers a year ago. This is partly due to Carolina having more of a drive fueled by their desire for redemption. Without Peyton Manning at the helm, the team has added a running game to create a more balanced approach.
Kelvin Benjamin, who’s slated to make a comeback tonight since his injury last season, is perhaps someone the Broncos need to look out for. Like Carolina, Denver had a tremendous defense.
With four turnovers back in February, it allowed the Broncos to put easy points up on the board. Entering this season, Denver has big questions on offense.
Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth are dong their best to try and sell Trevor Siemian as a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL.
Lynch has had a strong pre-season with the first-round pick getting a full game under his belt in the Broncos’ final preseason game against the Cardinals.
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The total has gone UNDER in the Panthers’ last four season openers, and in four of the last five Panthers-Broncos games. Siemian still has great receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but it is a wonder if he can get them the ball.
