Raise your hand if you expected the San Francisco 49ers to be 1-0 and the Carolina Panthers to be 0-1 after the first week of the regular season. A course correction is coming, because as good as San Francisco looked in its opener against the Rams, beating Carolina on the road will be nearly impossible.
The 49ers had a fine defensive showing to win their opener, and that’s the only way they will be able to keep this one close. The Panthers should be a sizable favorite to take care of business and should have no trouble equaling its record after a last-second loss to the Broncos to open the season.
Watch this regular season Week 2 matchup live on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium.
Odds Analysis
The Panthers went 15-1 last season, and while they have already matched that loss total in 2016, most of the key pieces are back. They will be substantial favorites once the odds come out, so keep an eye on it to determine which side of the spread makes the most sense.
The scoring total shouldn’t be too high, as the 49ers should struggle to put up points. The Panthers could pick up a defensive touchdown in this one, which would help push toward the “over,” and that’s something to keep in mind.
Injury Report
Cam Newton -- The Panthers quarterback was beaten up by the menacing Broncos defense, as he took numerous tough shots to the body and the head. The reigning MVP stayed in the game throughout but didn’t play well. Coach Ron Rivera has said he will play in this one, but it remains to be seen if he will be limited at all.
Matchup to Watch
49ers defensive line vs. Panthers running game -- Carolina has a power running game that features Newton and running back Jonathan Stewart. The ability to get that going opens up the passing game and really keeps defenses guessing.
San Francisco hopes to combat it with its powerful defensive line. The 49ers absolutely shut down the Rams offense in their opener, holding star running back Todd Gurley in check. The Panthers have more playmakers and a star quarterback compared to Case Keenum, so it will certainly be tougher sledding.
Carolina has the advantage in nearly every area, so if the 49ers have any hope of keeping it close, they have to stuff the Panthers run. If Newton and Stewart pick up big chunks this one could easily turn into a laugher.
Free ATS Pick
Chip Kelly’s debut with the 49ers was fantastic, and he hopes to return some shine to his name with an upset of the Panthers. That’s probably too much to ask, but at least keeping this game competitive would be a start.
While San Francisco isn’t an offensive juggernaut, running back Carlos Hyde played well in the opener and the team will aim for the same recipe for success. The problem is that the Panthers are really good at stopping the run, as defensive tackle Kawann Short and linebacker Luke Kuechly highlight a devastating defensive front.
Carolina has shut down much better offenses, and San Francisco must figure out a way to get some points on the board. While it was a very encouraging first week, the 49ers get no favors from the schedule-makers as they face a very tough situation.
Even though Carolina lost its opener, this is still one of the best teams in the NFL. A double-digit win seems like the most likely result, with the Panthers eventually taking control as the game goes on. There shouldn’t be a ton of points scored, so keep an eye on the total and consider the “under” if it’s too high.
NFL Odds: Panthers 24, 49ers 13
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