Carolina Panthers vs. 49ers: Prediction and odds for Week 5 (more misery for Matt Rhule)

The Carolina Panthers face another daunting challenge when they take on the SanFrancisco 49ers in Week 5 at Bank of America Stadium. 

After a poor performance from the Carolina Panthers in Week 4, they have another tough challenge awaiting them this weekend. The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a hugely impressive win against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, which filled most Panther fans with absolute dread considering how Matt Rhule‘s squad is currently performing.

Rhule’s been answering questions about his future for the best part of two years now. Even though David Tepper remains a believer in his capabilities, the former Baylor man can ill-afford the wheels to completely come off if he wants to stand any chance of seeing out his third campaign at the helm.

The Niners’ defense is No. 1 in most statistical categories under the expert guidance of DeMeco Ryans, who’ll likely become a head coach somewhere in 2023. Carolina’s offense has been the real weak link through four weeks, so this is the last thing Rhule, Ben McAdoo, and quarterback Baker Mayfield probably wanted to see at this precise moment.

It’ll be interesting to see how the players respond to yet another setback. This will tell us plenty about morale within the group and whether the public display of unity after losing to the Arizona Cardinals is reflected behind the scenes.

Carolina Panthers vs. 49ers odds for Week 5

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Panthers are 6.0-point underdogs at home in Week 5. They started the week at +4.5, but a strong showing from San Francisco on Monday Night Football altered this significantly.

Carolina currently sits at +210 on the money line (bet $100 to win $210), with the Niners comfortable favored at -255 (bet $255 to win $100). FanDuel is not expecting a high-scoring affair with the over/under set at 39.5 points, which can be wagered at -110 in both directions (bet $110 to win $100).

Carolina Panthers vs. 49ers prediction for Week 5

Judging by how gifted the San Francisco defense is and how Kyle Shanahan deploys his primary offensive weapons, it’s hard to look at the Panthers’ chances with any real confidence. Getting off to a fast start is crucial, but any of the same chemistry issues we’ve witnessed from Mayfield would make things extremely difficult.

The atmosphere might not be in the home side’s favor at Bank of America Stadium. Niners fans travel well and there were empty seats aplenty in Week 4 versus the Cardinals, which only heightens concerns about the overall outcome.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s stable presence under center is something else that might actually assist San Francisco’s chances in 2022. Trey Lance is talented, but the second-year-pro was lacking experience and this is a team primed to win right now.

With that in mind, do not be surprised if the Panthers fall to a loss on home soil. This would be another body blow for Rhule before the team makes the long trip to clash with the Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 6.