Friday Payday NFL!

Patriots vs. Panthers

Recommendation: Patriots -5.5

The 3^rd preseason game is generally the “Dress rehearsal” for most teams. It’s the time we’ll see the starters playing the longest and executing their best. Generally the Patriots don’t care at all about wins and losses in these exhibition games, but they’ll be a touch more motivated today given what happened in their matchup with this team last year. Week 11 on Monday night the Panthers beat the Pat’s 24-20. On the last play of the game, Panthers LB Luke Kuechly absolutely mauled Rob Gronkowski. For some unknown reason, the refs picked up the flag and ended the game. Bill Belichick and company didn’t forget about that one, and given how well New England lit up the scoreboard last week vs. Philly, they will undoubtedly put up a big number tonight against Carolina.

The Panthers got the victory last week, but they’re in for a down year after losing some key personnel. Cam Newton is coming off of ankle surgery so the coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on him. These teams also didn’t hold joint practices this week as so many teams do prior to the season. The Pat’s have almost every advantage in this game and with a little extra motivation added to the equation, this one looks like a strong bet. Take the Patriots -5.5.

First off I AM a Panthers fan so this may be biased.

I watched the Panthers game last week and I don't think Cams ankle is much of an issue. They sat him week 1 just as a precautionary, give him an extra week off his ankle. Maybe that regular season game last year could've been a Pats victory, but that was then, and this is, well, preseason so anything last year doesn't really factor in in my opinion. The Panthers looked pretty solid last week with their backups. I think their running game is going to be solid this year.

The Pats are the Pats and they should do great this year. Looked good vs a good offensive Eagles team. At home I can see them winning and maybe even covering, especially if Gronk plays. (Tho if he does, how long?). I just think 5.5 points is a lot seeing as it is preseason and Pats aren't playing the Texans or Raiders or something lol, Pats have givin up 800 yards in 2 games this preseason.

But again, preseason. I have Panthers and the Over as part of a parlay.

BOL!