Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
- Under 34.5 pass attempts (-125)
It was a difficult day at the office for Sam Darnold in Week 5. The Carolina Panthers quarterback threw three interceptions and looked like the player we saw at the New York Jets rather than the one everyone had such high hopes for over the first three games of the campaign.
This takes Darnold’s picks for the season to six and five over the last two games without the comfort of Christian McCaffrey alongside him in the backfield.
Much has been made about the protection – or lack thereof – in obvious passing situations. But the former USC star has to do a better job of going through his progressions and making correct decisions to find open receivers.
Darnold might not get much more time in the pocket this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, who are among the league leaders in sacks and boast a ferocious defensive front that includes proven playmakers such as Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon Richardson, Everson Griffen, and Danielle Hunter.
For all Minnesota’s ability to generate pressure, they are suspect when it comes to run-stopping. This is something the Panthers should look to take advantage of, which will also take some serious heat off Darnold in McCaffrey’s ongoing absence.
Providing the game doesn’t get away from Carolina, Darnold should not be throwing the football more than 34.5 times. So betting the under seems like a solid play.