The New York Jets will take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 in the NFL. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Jets-Panthers prediction and pick, based on Jets Panthers odds.
Both of these teams hope this game ushers in a new era for them. The Jets will get their first look at their highly-touted rookie quarterback in Zach Wilson here, while also seeing first-year head coach Robert Saleh in action for the first time. Jets fans actually have reason to be excited about this season, which is something that hasn't happened for a couple of years now.
The Panthers will deploy the fourth-youngest roster in the NFL in this game, led by ex-Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. Both teams have a lot to look forward to, and it starts with this game.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for Sunday's game.
NFL Odds: Jets-Panthers Odds
New York Jets +4 (-110)
Carolina Panthers -4 (-110)
Over 44 1/2 points (-111)
Under 44 1/2 points (-109)
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Why The Jets Could Cover The Spread
Carolina is a pretty solid matchup for a rookie quarterback. The Panthers have one great edge rusher in Brian Burns, but the defensive line doesn't pack much of a punch besides that. The secondary looks like one of the weakest in the league, as it's filled with young starters that aren't proven players at an NFL level.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas spent the offseason giving Zach Wilson the tools to succeed, and that should shine through here. Corey Davis is better than any corner the Panthers have, and if Jamison Crowder plays in this game Carolina will have real trouble stopping the pass. The Panthers were also a poor run defense last year, allowing 120 yards per game on the ground. They didn't do much to improve in that area, so New York's below-average run game should be able to at least be functional in this game. Include this analysis when making a Jets Panthers pick.
The Jets may have lost edge rusher Carl Lawson to injury in training camp, but they should be able to get to the quarterback in this game. Carolina intends to start Cameron Erving and Pat Elflein at left tackle and left guard, respectively. Both players are below-average starters who would fare better as depth pieces. Starting right guard John Miller won't play in this game because of COVID protocols, so backup guard Michael Jordan will have to step in. Jordan was just cut by the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that is notoriously bad on the offensive line. That should tell you all you need to know about how good Jordan is. Carolina's offensive line is a wreck, so expect the Jets to get into the backfield at will. This should affect your view of the Jets Panthers odds and which way you might lean.
Why The Panthers Could Cover The Spread
Carolina's best chance of covering comes in the form of their offense. Head coach Matt Rhule has assembled a great supporting cast around Sam Darnold, with wide receivers DJ Moore and Robby Anderson taking center stage. New York is a complete mess in the secondary, proven by their need to start Bryce Hall and Brandin Echols at cornerback. It's hard to see how the Jets plan on covering anybody this season, including this Carolina receiving corps that is sneakily one of the best in the league. Darnold should be able to move the ball at will in this game. This is part of the backdrop to the game, forming one data point to consider when you make a Jets Panthers prediction.
Superstar running back Christian McCaffrey hasn't been mentioned here yet, so it's about time his name was brought up. McCaffrey's 2020 season was destroyed by injury, but he's back at full health for this matchup. The Jets were actually pretty solid against the run last year, but they were terrible at defending pass-catching running backs. New York consistently allowed chunks of yardage to opposing backs through the air, which should be music to McCaffrey's ears. This matchup should be a fun way for McCaffrey to come into the 2021 season. Use this knowledge when evaluating the Jets Panthers odds.
Final Jets-Panthers Prediction & Pick
The Panthers should cover here, but they aren't the best pick on the board. The over should cash comfortably here with Carolina doing most of the scoring. This is a great matchup for both quarterbacks, and both skill position groups outmatch the defenders they will face. Lock in the over with confidence.
FINAL PICK: Over 45 points (-110)
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