Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as their Week 1 opener against the Atlanta Falcons finally arrives?
We have arrived. After a long, dramatic offseason for the Carolina Panthers that came with plenty of twists and turns attached, it's time for Frank Reich's men to begin their pursuit of progression at the Atlanta Falcons this afternoon for a highly-anticipated Week 1 opener.
It promises to be one not to miss, that's for sure. Until then, the stories causing conversation include conflicting reports on Brian Burns with no new contract agreed upon, Bryce Young on taking in the moment ahead of his regular-season debut, Jonathan Mingo's fantasy value, and Carolina heading to Atlanta with underdog status.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers game day odds for Week 1
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Carolina Panthers are 3.5-point underdogs at the Falcons in Week 1.
- Carolina +3.5: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Atlanta -3.5: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Anyone wishing to wager the Panthers on FanDuel's money can do so at +154 (bet $100 to win $154). The Falcons are slightly favored on home soil at -184 (bet $184 to win $100), with the over/under set at 39.5 points.
- Over 39.5 points: -115
- Under 39.5 points: -105
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Carolina Panthers WR Jonathan Mingo's fantasy stock
There are many unknowns within the Carolina Panthers wide receiver room heading into the campaign. Not having D.J. Moore to call upon was a necessary evil in the hope of solving their long-running riddle under center, but his absence provides an opportunity for others to shine with more involvement.
Jonathan Mingo was selected in the second round and could play a big role right out of the gate. Carolina is without D.J. Chark for their regular season opener at the Atlanta Falcons, Adam Thielen is listed as questionable, and there's just no telling what Terrace Marshall Jr. could look like after missing weeks thanks to a back issue.
The former Ole Miss stud has the physical profile needed to make a name for himself. Something that makes him an intriguing fantasy football option according to Andre Castillo from Sportskeeda.
"Being part of a rebuilding team gives him plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents, and that is what a rookie like [Jonathan] Mingo needs. With Pro Bowl-caliber veterans Adam Thielen and DJ Chark beside him, he has excellent chances to improve his stock. Thielen and Chark combined for over 1,200 receiving yards last season as secondary/tertiary option for their respective teams, and that trend is expected to continue as they get their rookie teammate acclimatized to the pros. The Panthers under Bryce Young are a dynamic unit with plenty of offensive options, and his fellow rookie can be expected to play a crucial role in this gradual turnaround for the two-time Super Bowl finalists."Andre Castillo, Sportskeeda
Mingo and Young developed a nice rapport during the offseason. Hopefully, this is a trend that can continue throughout 2023 and way beyond that.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young feeling blessed
After getting a small taste of what could be ahead for Bryce Young during the preseason, the Carolina Panthers' new face of the franchise will embark on his first competitive NFL contest this afternoon. And make no mistake, expectations couldn't be higher.
The Panthers invested a significant amount in Young when they traded up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. While expecting an immediate return is only right, much will depend on the offensive line and whether Carolina's new receiving core creates the separation needed to thrive.
Young knows what's expected. Even though he's taking everything in and remains thankful, the focus is on winning and getting this franchise off the canvas based on his comments via the team's website.
"It's a blessing to be here. With it around the corner, it's surreal. But at the same time, there's so much energy and focus that just goes into the game plan, goes into trying to prepare to get ready – myself, us as a team, we're all in that mindset. Of course, I'm super excited. And it's definitely a blessing to be in this situation. But, obviously, it's a results-based business. And we want to have success. For us to be able to have that, we have to earn that. And that's by locking in, grinding throughout the week, making sure that we're focused. So really, all my energy has gone to that."Bryce Young via Panthers.com
It'll be interesting to see how Young copes with a pressure-cooker atmosphere in Atlanta. But considering his poise and flawless focus up to now, hopes are high that he can continue taking everything in his stride.
Confusion surrounding Carolina Panthers OLB Brian Burns
With no new deal on the table, speculation rose about whether or not Brian Burns would participate in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons. The stud pass-rusher has shown a tremendous amount of good faith to the organization throughout the summer, but there is clearly a reluctance to make him one of the league's best-paid players at the position despite his importance.
Just why the Panthers are playing hardball with their most dynamic weapon is anyone's guess. They laid their cards on the table once a huge trade offer from the Los Angeles Rams was rejected, so Burns has all the leverage even if Scott Fitterer, Samir Suleiman, and team owner David Teper think otherwise.
Burns was on the plane to Atlanta and although both sides reportedly remain some way off in terms of negotiations, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN stated that expectations are that the former first-round selection out of Florida State will be on the field.
This was not a sentiment echoed by Will Kunkel from FOX Houston. The presenter - who's been on top of this saga from the outset - posted on social media that the Panthers have no idea whether Burns will suit up or not at this juncture.
I’m told the Panthers “don’t know” if Brian Burns will play Sunday vs Falcons.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) September 10, 2023
It's been an unnecessary distraction for head coach Frank Reich. He wants Burns around and has praised his professionalism, but a plan will already be ready to go if he decides to sit out.
And after the way Carolina's gone about this entire process, who would blame him for doing so?