Panthers Game Sunday: Panthers vs Patriots odds and prediction for NFL Week 9 game

The NFL is a week-to-week league, so it’s important that the Carolina Panthers continue trending in the right direction when they next take the field in Week 9. Although the New England Patriots are far from the force of old, any team coached by Bill Belichick needs to be taken seriously and especially following their eye-catching win at the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Carolina is also coming off a hugely important win at the Atlanta Falcons that came from another exceptional defensive display and a substantial contribution from the running game. This is a solid foundation from which to build for head coach Matt Rhule, who alleviated some concerns about what sort of direction the franchise is heading, at least for the time being.

Things are still hanging on a knife-edge regarding Carolina’s chances this season. A 4-4 record at this stage could be classed as an underachievement, so it remains to be seen how this group will fare now things are getting a little tougher over the second half of the campaign.

Returning to home soil is a big boost after two weeks on the road. And the presence of Shaq Thompson and Stephon Gilmore clearly had a massive benefit on Phil Snow’s defense in Week 8.

However, the Panthers are dealing with some injury problems on the offensive side of the football that will hopefully become a little clearer as the week goes on.

Panthers vs Patriots Odds Week 9

The Week 9 betting odds on WynnBET have the Panthers as 3.0-point underdogs at Bank of America Stadium. They have +140 money line odds, while the Patriots are the clear favorites at -160.

The total for the game is set at an over/under of 43.0 points, which is available at -110 in both directions (bet $110 to win $100).

Panthers vs Patriots Prediction Week 9

It’s hard to make any meaningful prediction at this stage when one considers the current status of Sam Darnold. The quarterback was much-improved with fewer expectations on his shoulders in Carolina’s run-first offense, but a concerning hit in the fourth quarter resulted in the USC product suffering a concussion that requires further evaluation.

Rhule is hopeful Darnold can come through and play. But erring on the side of caution where head injuries are concerned is the only avenue to go down.

Besides, it’s not like Darnold has had much success against Belichick in the past.

This will also be a revenge game for Stephon Gilmore, who caught the eye on his first appearance at the Falcons. Carolina’s defense should be able to throw some stuff in Mac Jones’ direction to make things uncomfortable, so providing Darnold gets a clean bill of health, the Panthers should have enough in their locker to come away with a narrow 21-20 victory.

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