Carolina Panthers @ Las Vegas Raiders - September 22, 2024

As I gear up for this game on Sunday, there’s no doubt in my mind that the Las Vegas Raiders have the advantage as they take on the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium. Both teams are desperate for a win, but the numbers tell a compelling story.

The Panthers enter this contest reeling after starting the season with two losses. They’ve averaged a meager 6.5 points per game, a statistic that’s sure to raise eyebrows. With just 122.5 passing yards per game and a concerning completion percentage of 55.6%, their offense hasn’t found any rhythm. Moreover, their rushing attack is equally lackluster, averaging only 74 yards each game at a rate of a mere 4.2 yards per attempt. These struggles translate to a disconcerting trend— Carolina is not just 0-2 SU this season, but they’ve also failed to cover the spread in either game. The total points scored in their last five outings have gone UNDER, indicating they’re consistently stifled on offense.

On the other side, the Raiders are riding the waves of a slight positive streak after bouncing back to .500 at 1-1. While their average of 18 points per game isn’t staggering, it’s certainly more favorable compared to their opponent. The passing game has shown some promise, with an impressive 266.5 yards per game and a completion percentage hovering around 77.4%. They may not be lighting it up on the ground (averaging just 49 rush yards), but they are more effective in the air, consistently enabling their receivers to make plays.

Betting insights further reinforce my belief that the Raiders will cover the -4 point spread. With Las Vegas boasting a commendable 5-1 record against the spread in their last six games, and Carolina struggling to assert themselves, it’s hard to picture this matchup swinging in favor of the Panthers. Especially since the last five games for Carolina paint a picture of a sinking ship; they are 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS during this stretch.

When it comes to the over/under, I foresee a decidedly low-scoring affair. Given that the total opened at 43.5 and considering both teams’ offensive struggles, I predict the total will end up going UNDER. The Raiders’ defense can effectively contain the Panthers’ lackluster offense, which means it’s highly probable that both teams will struggle to generate significant points.

In conclusion, I strongly predict that the Raiders will secure a victory over the Panthers while covering the spread in the process. The dynamics of the game don’t favor Carolina, especially considering their trend of underwhelming performances. So, if you’re looking for a solid pick this week, keep your eyes on a Raiders triumph and a total score that stays well below the opening line. This matchup is shaping up to be more of a showcase of defensive fortitude for Las Vegas rather than offensive fireworks.