8:22 pm
September 23

Panthers @ Texans

Who will WIN this matchup?

Carolina Panthers (2-0)

@ Houston Texans (1-1)

 

Current odds:

Carolina Panthers: (-430)

Houston Texans: (+330)

 

• The spread for the game is Carolina by 8 points.

• The Panthers (2-0) have topped the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. A dominant defense has set the tone for the Panthers, but quarterback Sam Darnold and McCaffrey have been critical to their fast start. “We have a lot of things to do to improve,” Panthers coach Matt Rhule said, noting that defensive packages will be adjusted in dealing with the Texans. Carolina leads the NFL with 10 sacks and now runs into an inexperienced Houston quarterback.

• The Texans are 1-1 and quarterback changes are afoot again due to Tyrod Taylor’s hamstring injury. Rookie Davis Mills gets the call with Carolina’s potent pass rush a peak concern. Taylor became the starter as franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson determined he no longer wants to be a part of the team. Watson will be inactive for the third game in a row as Houston weighs trade offers and remains connected to an ongoing investigation into more than 20 legal claims against Watson for sexual assault or misconduct.

• Mills played most of the second half in Week 2. Jeff Driskel was activated from the practice squad Thursday and slides into the backup quarterback spot. It will help any young quarterback to have a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle leading protection, and Laremy Tunsil gives Houston a sound blocker against Carolina’s edge rushers. Even with the quick turnaround on the schedule, Mills should have more practice opportunities in a first-string role for the Carolina game.

• For Carolina’s offense, a real test could come with the durability of McCaffrey. He played in only three games last season because of injuries, yet he has been plenty busy this month. McCaffrey, who had 30 touches in the first game and 29 more in Week 2, said he should be fine after leaving Sunday’s game for a stretch with what was described as cramping.

7/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Carolina Panthers
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