As the regular season rapidly approaches and NFL Week 1 odds already circulating on the top sports betting apps, it’s time to take a closer look at the NFC South odds. Historically, there has been a trend of a team going from worst to first in their division. The 2023 Houston Texans managed to achieve this feat last year, and now the focus shifts to the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers had a dismal 2-15 record in 2023, finishing at the bottom of the NFL standings. Despite this, there is optimism surrounding the team’s potential for a turnaround. Atlanta is currently favored to win the division, especially after signing veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract. However, the Panthers are seen as a team with great value at the current prices.
Carolina is pinning their hopes on QB Bryce Young to bounce back from a tough rookie season. Young faced constant pressure behind an offensive line that struggled to protect him, resulting in 62 sacks, the second-highest in the league. The team addressed this issue by bringing in Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt to strengthen the offensive line, particularly focusing on the left guard position that was a problem area in the previous season.
Furthermore, the Panthers made some significant coaching changes, with Dave Canales taking over as the new head coach. Canales, known for his success in play-calling, will look to implement a more balanced and dynamic offensive strategy to improve the team’s performance. The emphasis on the running game, play-action, and other creative play designs could help Carolina’s offense take a step forward in 2023.
On the defensive side, the Panthers have made some adjustments to compensate for the loss of key players like Brian Burns. D.J. Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney have been added to bolster the defense and increase the pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks. With the return of Jaycee Horn from injury, the secondary looks to be strengthened, potentially leading to more coverage sacks.
With these changes in place, the Carolina Panthers are poised to make a significant impact in the NFC South. While there are challenges ahead, the team’s potential for improvement and the value in their odds make them a compelling choice to keep an eye on in the upcoming season.
