After Carolina opened on pace for the worst point differential in NFL history, the question was starting to look like: How high could the Panthers’ line go each week?
However, according to Week 3 NFL odds, the Panthers are moving in the right direction with an early quarterback change.
The announcement that Andy Dalton would be taking over under center for Bryce Young in Carolina helped move Sunday’s line for a game at the Las Vegas Raiders. Keep in mind, the Raiders opened the season with a win total over/under of 6.5 wins, ties for third-worst in the NFL.
On the field, the Panthers could use all the help they can get. Through two games, Carolina has been outscored 73-13 this season.
Young’s struggles forced a change
Young has posted some of the worst advanced metrics of any quarterback over the past two seasons since being drafted as the No. 1 pick out of Alabama.
Meanwhile, Dalton completed 34-of-58 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 3 start for the Panthers at Seattle last season. He has been a steady veteran at several stops throughout his career, most notably with Cincinnati.
The 36-year-old quarterback has 14 years of NFL experience, going 83-78-2 as a starter, which may help explain the back-and-forth in Panthers odds.
Broncos, Bills Eagles among other teams seeing line moves
Denver Broncos odds are also seeing some movement after the team was nearly shut out at home last week against Pittsburgh. Denver shifted from +5.5 to +7 at Tampa Bay in Week 3, with the Bucs coming off an impressive win in Detroit.
There was some buyback on the Broncos with the Bucs losing Vita Vea to injured reserve among other injuries, and the spread has settled at +6.5.
- The Buffalo Bills are gaining steam in the market after dominating the Dolphins last Thursday night. Buffalo opened at -3.5 ahead of a Monday night matchup against the Jaguars and moved up to -6 at some books following Jacksonville’s 0-2 start. That number is down to -5.5 or -5 now. The Jags are dealing with injuries to tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) and backup tailback Tank Bigsby (shoulder).
- The Philadelphia Eagles have flipped from short favorites to short dogs in their Week 3 matchup versus the Saints following a late collapse against the Falcons at home on Monday night. The Saints are off to a historically great start on offense under new coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Eagles might be without A.J. Brown (hamstring) for another game.
