Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns best bets for Week 1

What are the best bets available during a crunch first game for the Carolina Panthers against the Cleveland Browns to kick off their 2022 campaign?

The Carolina Panthers get their 2022 season underway with a fascinating encounter against the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium. Proper football weather is expected with heavy rain set to make things difficult, which adds yet another layer of intrigue to a game with many intriguing storylines attached.

Baker Mayfield takes center stage for obvious reasons. The quarterback’s first competitive start for the Panthers comes against the team that selected him No. 1 overall out of Oklahoma but removed him entirely from the equation for nothing more than a conditional fifth-round pick shortly before training camp.

This represents a winnable game for Carolina. The Browns don’t have the benefit of Deshaun Watson under center and this is something the Panthers must take advantage of in pursuit of victory.

It does look like a finely poised contest with very little between the two teams on paper. But there has been some significant money for the visitors in recent days, going from +2.5 underdogs to -1.5-point favorites against the Panthers according to the latest odds from FanDuel.

Best Carolina Panthers bets in Week 1

Weather is going to play a big part in the overall outcome in Week 1. Prolonged rain is anticipated throughout the contest according to forecasts, which will likely see plenty of running the football and minimal risks being taken downfield.

Carolina’s turf surface will be especially slippery if this comes to fruition. It might also leave points at a premium when it’s all said and done.

With that being said, betting under 41.5 points at -106 (bet $106 to win $100) looks like a decent wager considering the conditions. Although it’s probably worth waiting until closer to kick-off.

The Panthers also start games far better than they’ve finished them under Matt Rhule so far. Mayfield’s presence under center could also bring about added energy early on, so it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world to see Carolina take a slender lead into the break.

FanDuel is offering -110 for the Panthers to have the advantage at halftime (bet $110 to win $100). This looks quite solid and something that can bare fruit.

Opening games of the season are always tough to call. Even more so in this case considering the familiarity between Mayfield and his former employers.

As stated previously, there might not be many points with mistakes bound to come in poor conditions. FanDuel is offering +220 for there to be under 35.5 points (bet $100 to win $220), which is a risk worth taking under the circumstances.

Approach with caution is normally the advice when it comes to Week 1 betting. Throw in Mayfield and wet conditions, it’s even more precarious for people looking to make themselves a bit of money.

One thing that cannot be disputed is we’ll know far more about the Panthers and what they might be capable of this season after they come off the field. Hopefully, they can finally put everything together and give their loyal home faithful something to cheer.

The added incentive for Mayfield is there for all to see. And this could also inspire his teammates to rally around their quarterback, giving that little bit more to get him the win he’s no doubt craving.