Carolina Panthers vs. NY Giants: Prediction and Odds for Week 2 (Baker Mayfield bounces back)

The Carolina Panthers look to bounce back from a disappointing opening day loss during their trip to the New York Giants in Week 2 of the 2022 season. 

After yet another demoralizing defeat – an eighth in succession – the Carolina Panthers turn their attention to what promises to be an important clash at the New York Giants in Week 2. This was the scene of arguably Matt Rhule‘s most embarrassing loss as head coach in 2021, although there is an abundance of dismal performances to choose from since the former Baylor man took charge.

The Panthers left themselves too much to do against the Cleveland Browns. A failure to move the chains early coupled with complete capitulation on running downs contributed significantly to Carolina’s 13th loss in 15 contests, but Rhule can take some heart from the fight shown during the fourth quarter.

Next up is a difficult-looking visit to MetLife Stadium. The Giants looked like a far different operation in Week 1 under new head coach Brian Daboll, who had his side ready and made bold coaching decisions en route to a shock win at the Tennessee Titans, the AFC’s No. 1 overall seed in 2021.

The size of the task awaiting Carolina is steep. However, Rhule cannot afford a second-straight defeat with discontent already growing within a fanbase that is growing tired of the same old excuses.

Carolina Panthers vs. NY Giants Odds Week 2

The Panthers head into Week 2 as 2.5-point underdogs according to the latest odds from FanDuel. Anyone that fancies Carolina on the money line can get +118 (bet $100 to win $118), with the Giants currently favored at -138 (bet $138 to win $100).

Oddsmakers at FanDuel have set the over/under at 42.5 points. Betting the under is available at -106 (bet $106 to win $100), with the over currently sitting at -114 (bet $114 to win $100).

Carolina Panthers vs. NY Giants Prediction Week 2

It’s not hard to see why there is so much doom and gloom surrounding the Panthers after just one week. This team is in the midst of the NFL’s longest-losing streak and something that piles further pressure on Rhule during a make-or-break campaign.

Improving their run defense is going to be key. Daboll will study the tape from last week and know how much damage Saquon Barkley might be able to inflict, so the likes of Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and Shaq Thompson must raise their respective performances in no uncertain terms.

Much will also depend on whether Baker Mayfield can put a full game together. When the quarterback shook off the nerves and increased tempo, he made things happen versus his former team, but the signal-caller must start Sunday’s game like this to avoid the same complications.

Everyone seems to be writing the Panthers off, and with good reason. But if they don’t come together and show some fight in the face of adversity, one has to wonder if it will ever arrive.

With that said, our early prediction is for the Panthers to win. Even though there is minimal confidence behind this until Rhule, his staff and the players prove otherwise.