We’ll break down the Patriots vs. Panthers predictions and odds to uncover our best bets for this Friday night battle in NFL Preseason Week 2.
The Patriots dropped their first preseason game by a score of 23-21 against the Giants, while the Panthers pulled off a 23-21 road victory against the Commanders.
What’s in store for Week 2? Let’s dive into the odds to uncover some Patriots vs. Panthers predictions and picks for Friday evening.
Patriots vs. Panthers Predictions
For my NFL preseason week 2 predictions, I’ll be placing these wagers at DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Patriots vs. Panthers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | +3 (-110) | +135 | O 40 (-110) |
| @ Patriots | -3 (-110) | -155 | U 40 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of noon on Aug. 18.
Game Info
- Date: Friday, Aug. 19
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA)
- TV: NFL Network — View the full NFL Preseason TV schedule here.
Patriots vs. Panthers Trends
Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for the Patriots vs. Panthers as well as the NFL preseason in general:
- The Patriots lost their first preseason game 21-23 against the Giants.
- The Panthers won their first preseason game 23-21 at Washington.
- New England HC Bill Belichick is 13-7 in the preseason over the last six years.
- Carolina HC Matt Rhule is 2-2 in the preseason.
- Underdogs are 53.5% against the spread in the NFL preseason in the previous ten years.
- As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 61% of tickets are on the Patriots against the spread. However, 75% of the money is backing the Panthers.
- DraftKings also reports that 59% of betting tickets are on the Over, but 81% of the money supports Under 40 points.
- The Over is 14-3 in preseason games after Week 1.
Panthers ‘Mostly’ Resting Starters
So what’s the move for the Panthers in this road contest? Head coach Matt Rhule hinted that his starters will probably sit out in Week 2. See the tweet below:
#Panthers HC Matt Rhule was asked which QB was going to start Friday, and he said Carolina would mostly be playing their 2s and 3s in the preseason game against the Patriots. Seemed like he expected New England to be playing more of their starters since they sat Week 1.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 17, 2022
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold played some last week, combining to go 6-for-10 with 61 yards. Darnold chipped in a touchdown to WR Rashard Higgins.
It sounds like P.J. Walker and rookie QB Matt Corral will take nearly all the snaps in this clash with the Patriots. Corral struggled in his first preseason tilt, completing just one of nine passing attempts. Both have plenty of scrambling ability (which we like in the preseason), and Walker showed flashes of upside in last year’s preseason.
Mac Jones & Company Starting?
Of course, Bill Belichick is not going to tell us his plans for Friday’s game. He only mentioned that Mac Jones will “hopefully” play. Gee thanks, Billy.
This is a logical spot for the Patriots to get their starters a few live reps, even if it’s just a series or two. New England sat most of their starters in Week 1 of the preseason, and they should see some action in Week 2 before heading back to the sideline for Week 3.
Regardless if Jones and the starters play, the Patriots have plenty of depth across the board. Quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Bailey Zappe looked good for New England last week. Zappe, who went 19-for-32 with 205 yards and a touchdown (1 INT), will continue to see plenty of opportunities in the preseason. The rookie could take a step forward if he feels more comfortable with one game under his belt.
MORE: Matt Perrault is 12-2 betting the NFL Preseason. Check out his three preseason bets for Friday.
Patriots vs. Panthers Predictions
This may sound strange to say, but Zappe is the difference here. He looked comfortable in the New England system last week, and the Pats will let him air it out. Overall, he’s a better quarterback option than P.J. Walker or Matt Corrall (who struggled mightily last week) of the Panthers. Also, Carolina allowed Sam Howell and the Commanders to rally in the fourth quarter last Saturday, so New England could have an edge in the second half.
Of course, we’ll get a nice bonus if the New England starters do see meaningful snaps on a few drives. That gives the Patriots a potential early edge as well.
Give me the better team, deeper team, and better coach playing at home.
Prediction: Patriots -3 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
More NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks
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