Panthers vs Patriots: NFL Preseason Is Here!
Two of the NFL’s less successful teams from last season, the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers, are set to kick off their 2024 preseason campaigns on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. Preseason games often hinge more on who takes the field rather than the overall talent level, and it appears the Patriots are planning to give more of their key starters some action compared to the Panthers. Game Information Current Odds Bet Type Odds Spread: Carolina +2, New England -2 Moneyline: Carolina +114, New England -133 Over/Under: Over 34, Under 34 Prediction and Best Bet Best Bet: New England Patriots to cover (-2) Analysis Bryce Young‘s rookie season with the Carolina Panthers was a struggle, completing just 59.8% of his passes with 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, leading the Panthers to a 2-14 record. Young was sacked 62 times, highlighting protection issues and raising questions about his future as an NFL quarterback. Despite his raw talent, Panthers head coach Dave Canales has decided not to risk Young in this preseason opener. Panthers’ Quarterback Situation With Bryce Young sidelined and backup Andy Dalton out due to a quad injury, the Panthers will rely on Jack Plummer and Jake Luton. Plummer, an undrafted rookie from Louisville, and Luton, who hasn’t played since 2020 with the Jaguars, are expected to split the snaps. The absence of key receivers like Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen means Plummer and Luton won’t have much help from the starting talent. Patriots’ Quarterback Rotation The Patriots plan to start Jacoby Brissett for a couple of series, followed by Bailey Zappe, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton. Brissett and Zappe have actual NFL experience, which is an advantage in preseason play. Additionally, Maye, a rookie from North Carolina, is expected to make a few big plays as he competes for the QB2 spot on the roster. Coaching Approaches Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has indicated that all healthy players will see some action, contrasting with Canales’ cautious approach for the Panthers, prioritizing player health over preseason results. This suggests the Patriots are more focused on securing a win, especially playing at home. Conclusion The New England Patriots appear to be more committed to winning this preseason opener, with their plan to play more of their key players and quarterbacks who have NFL experience. Meanwhile, the Panthers are taking a cautious approach, particularly with their quarterbacks. This gives New England a clear edge in this matchup. Betting on the Patriots to cover the spread seems to be the most prudent choice. Panthers vs Patriots Betting Trends Panthers vs Patriots Key Players Panthers Patriots Final Thoughts With the Patriots’ focus on getting a win and the Panthers’ passive approach, New England has a significant advantage. Expect the Patriots to come out on top and cover the spread in this preseason opener.
2024-25 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award Odds: Parsons, Watt & Bosa Headline as Early Favorites
Myles Garrett took home the NFL’s top defensive prize last season, but several elite pass rushers are vying for the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, including standout Micah Parsons. NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds at BetOnline Player Team Position Odds Micah Parsons Dallas Cowboys LB +550 T.J. Watt Pittsburgh Steelers LB +550 Nick Bosa San Francisco 49ers DE +700 Maxx Crosby Las Vegas Raiders DE +700 Myles Garrett Cleveland Browns DE +800 Aidan Hutchinson Detroit Lions DE +1,000 Will Anderson Jr. Houston Texans DE +2,000 Danielle Hunter Houston Texans DE +2,500 Josh Allen Jacksonville Jaguars LB +2,500 Chris Jones Kansas City Chiefs DT +3,000 Favorites to Win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award Micah Parsons (+550) Micah Parsons has been a dominant force for the Dallas Cowboys since his NFL debut in 2021. Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Parsons continues to be a cornerstone for Dallas’ defense. Last season, he recorded 16 sacks and earned a pass-rushing grade of 93.7 from Pro Football Focus. T.J. Watt (+550) T.J. Watt claimed the DPOY award in 2021 and would have been a strong contender in 2022 if not for injuries. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker led the league with 19 sacks in 2023 and also forced four fumbles, showcasing his relentless defensive prowess. Nick Bosa (+700) Nick Bosa, a key player for the San Francisco 49ers, helped propel his team to Super Bowl 58. In 2022, Bosa earned the DPOY title with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, contributing significantly to a defense that allowed just 17.5 points per game, ranking third in the NFL. NFL Defensive Player of the Year Betting Trends NFL Defensive Player of the Year Winners by Position Position Number of DPOY Awards Linebacker 17 Defensive End 14 Defensive Tackle 10 Cornerback 6 Safety 5 While linebackers historically dominate this honor, recent years have seen a surge in defensive tackles claiming the award, driven by the exceptional performance of players like Aaron Donald. Final Thoughts The race for the 2024-25 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is set to be highly competitive. Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt lead the early odds, both looking to add another accolade to their illustrious careers. Keep an eye on defensive stalwarts like Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett, who will also be formidable contenders this season.
Super Bowl Odds 2025: Chiefs and 49ers Leading the Pack
With the NFL schedule set, the odds for Super Bowl 59 in 2025 are starting to settle as football season approaches, Let’s delve into which teams are the favorites to win the championship, slated for Sunday, February 9, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Super Bowl 2025 Odds Overview Top Contenders The Kansas City Chiefs, unsurprisingly, are the favorites to win Super Bowl 59, followed closely by the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens. Here are the current odds at BetOnline for the leading teams: Team Odds Kansas City Chiefs +500 San Francisco 49ers +600 Baltimore Ravens +1,000 Buffalo Bills +1,200 Detroit Lions +1,200 Philadelphia Eagles +1,200 Cincinnati Bengals +1,400 Green Bay Packers +1,400 Houston Texans +1,400 Dallas Cowboys +1,800 New York Jets +2,000 Miami Dolphins +2,500 Atlanta Falcons +3,300 Los Angeles Rams +3,300 Chicago Bears +4,000 Cleveland Browns +4,500 Los Angeles Chargers +4,500 Jacksonville Jaguars +5,000 Pittsburgh Steelers +5,000 Indianapolis Colts +6,600 Seattle Seahawks +7,000 Minnesota Vikings +7,500 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +8,000 Las Vegas Raiders +10,000 New Orleans Saints +10,000 Arizona Cardinals +12,500 Washington Commanders +12,500 Denver Broncos +15,000 New York Giants +15,000 Tennessee Titans +15,000 New England Patriots +20,000 Carolina Panthers +25,000 Key Teams to Watch Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs have solidified their status as a dynasty with their second consecutive Super Bowl win and third in five years. They are the first team in two decades to win back-to-back championships. Despite the challenge of winning three in a row, the Chiefs are determined to maintain their dominance. They strengthened their roster by adding speedy wide receiver Xavier Worthy, providing another weapon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. San Francisco 49ers Although the San Francisco 49ers fell short against the Chiefs in Super Bowl 58, they remain one of the top contenders for the 2025 title. The addition of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the draft addresses an immediate need and boosts their offensive capabilities. The 49ers are well-positioned to make another deep playoff run. Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens, led by MVP Lamar Jackson, are strong contenders for the Super Bowl. Despite a disappointing finish in the AFC Championship, the team has bolstered its offense with the addition of Derrick Henry. However, questions remain about their defense after losing key players without notable replacements. Super Bowl History and Trends Early Line Movement Tracking early line movements can provide valuable insights for bettors. Over the past 14 Super Bowls, the early money has been correct on 11 occasions, with one game resulting in a push. Professional bettors often make early wagers, setting the stage for how odds will shift leading up to the game. Notable Super Bowl Trends Conclusion As we approach the NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are leading the odds for Super Bowl 59. Keep an eye on early line movements and historical trends to make informed betting decisions. With a competitive field and key player additions, the upcoming season promises to be thrilling.
WHAT WE LEARNED: SUPER BOWL LVIII
BY ADAM GREENE Our NFL season officially ended with the Kansas City Chiefs crowned for the third time in the last five seasons, beating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime in Super Bowl LVIII. Patrick Mahomes won MVP and, more importantly, I nailed every single pick but the under, which I missed by half a point. I feel good about it. You are welcome. Still, let’s talk about some stuff. YOUR EARLY SUPER BOWL LIX ODDS Kansas City Chiefs +500 San Francisco 49ers +600 Detroit Lions +700 Baltimore Ravens +1200 Buffalo Bills +1200 Cincinnati Bengals +1400 Green Bay Packers +1600 Dallas Cowboys +1800 Miami Dolphins +2000 Philadelphia Eagles +2000 Los Angeles Chargers +2200 New York Jets +2500 Houston Texans +2800 Atlanta Falcons +3300 Cleveland Browns +3300 Jacksonville Jaguars +3300 Los Angeles Rams +3300 Chicago Bears +4000 Indianapolis Colts +4000 Minnesota Vikings +5000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers +5000 Pittsburgh Steelers +6600 Seattle Seahawks +6600 Arizona Cardinals +7500 Las Vegas Raiders +7500 Denver Broncos +10000 New England Patriots +10000 New Orleans Saints +10000 New York Giants +10000 Tennessee Titans +10000 Washington Commanders _10000 Carolina Panthers +15000 You know who might be worth a real look here for a little bit of cash? The Browns, the Rams and the Vikings. If Deshaun Watson could re-discover the player he was in 2019-2020 without ending up as the defendant in a court case with a unlicensed massage therapist, Cleveland (+3300) could be a real problem. The Rams (+3300), as we’ll get into later, were probably one traded out touchdown for a field goal against the Detroit Lions from battling Swiftie nation last Sunday with a team filled with rookies. They have a full compliment of draft picks now, extra compensatory picks coming and an empty salary cap. Minnesota (+5000)is a wild card because they might move on from Kirk Cousins and bring in another guy that’s already won a Super Bowl. We’ll talk about that in another article. Honestly, if I’m picking a game today, I’m probably going rematch between the Chiefs and 49ers with a similar result. Kansas City is still Kansas City and the Niners will once again field the best roster in football until they have to cough up real quarterback money for Brock Purdy. I do not hate the Bengals (+1400) at all and there’s a good chance the Bills (+1200) and Ravens (+1200) will finally get over the hump, if for no other reason than a three-peat has never happened before in the history of the NFL. If Kansas City doesn’t go again, somebody’s got to. Who don’t I like out of the top half? The Lions (+700), Packers (+1600), Cowboys (+1800), Jets (+2500) and Texans (+2800). I have an entire offseason to think about it, but I’m not sure, sitting here in February, that the Lions will even make the playoffs in 2024-25. The Pack will, but they don’t have the team to win it all unless injuries decimate every other contender. The Jets? I’m off that wagon. The Texans are a year or two away and as for the Cowboys? Come on, guys. How many times do we have to do this? IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO WIN A SUPER BOWL WITHOUT AN ELITE QB ANYMORE Back in the 2021 offseason, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay made a plea to team owner Stan Kroenke and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff after running into Matthew Stafford in Cabo, where the then Detroit Lions quarterback was vacationing too with his family. Here is how McVay sold the trade that sent Jared Goff and a couple of first round picks to the Lions in exchange for Stafford. “Here’s the f—ing deal, OK? We can sit here and exist, and be OK winning nine to 11 games, and losing in the f—ing divisional round and feel like, ‘Oh, everything’s OK.’ Or, we could let our motherf—ing nuts hang, and go trade for this f—ing quarterback, and give ourselves a chance to go win a f—ing world championship. You ready to f—ing do this or what?” The rest is history, literally historic as Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl title in his first season with the team. What McVay saw with Goff matches exactly what I saw with Goff back then and with Brock Purdy now. This is the top out. And as long as there are elite quarterbacks on good teams, those second to third tier guys aren’t hoisting a Vince Lombardi Trophy. And, right now, there are more elite QBs playing at once at any point maybe in the history of the NFL. To win a Super Bowl, you’re going to have to go through Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers or Joe Burrow and probably more than one of them. Mahomes had one game against a Goff/Purdy and that was their dominating Wild Card victory over the Tua Tagovailoa, who is certainly on that same trajectory. It’s something that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is going to have to figure out heading forward. After Tua, it was Allen and then Jackson, who was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the second time. If you toss in Tom Brady, who just retired last offseason, one of those quarterbacks has been in every Super Bowl for the last near decade. The era of a Nick Foles winning a Super Bowl appears to be over, regardless of the team he has around him. For the 49ers, it’s only getting more difficult. Purdy will need to be paid in the next offseason and they’ll have to cough up $40 million, which means other great players will be tossed off the side of the boat. The window is open now for San Fran, but they don’t have a quarterback that can push them through it. At the same time, Purdy is legitimately good. He’s above average at worst and not bad enough to replace. They’ve gone from Jimmy Garoppolo to Jimmy Garoppolo 2.0. And you
2024 NFL MOCK DRAFT 1.0
BY ADAM GREENE It’s that time again, where I look over the prospective draft prospects, draft order and needs and compile my first mock draft that will be completely obliterated come the first trade on Draft Day. The reason being? I don’t factor in trades in the first mock draft because there’s no way you can do that. We have no idea, from the outside, what’s being discussed in the vape-pen smoke-filled backrooms of the NFL heading into April’s NFL Draft. We can speculate, sure. We can guess. But, here’s the thing, we’re always wrong. I defy you to show me the mock draft put out in February of any year with trades that matches what actually happens in April of that same year. Defy, I say! So, in spite of the fact that there will be multiple trades in the actual draft, the “no trades” rule remains in my first mock draft. I will absolutely factor in trades in the future, as there are probably two more mocks coming at you post combine and pro days. It’s just the way it works. And there’s no way the Bears aren’t making a monster trade, either to send Justin Fields to another team, or trade the No. 1 overall pick for a ridiculous price. But we have no clue what that will entail, so we have to use the info we have for our first mock draft of the upcoming 2024-25 NFL season. 1. CHICAGO BEARS (from the Carolina Panthers) — Caleb Williams, QB, USC 2023: (6-1, 218 pounds) 68.6 completion percentage, 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, five interceptions, 142 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns Odds to be the first overall pick: -650 While Williams might have been unable to match his Heisman Trophy-winning 2022 campaign, he did nothing to hurt his stock heading into this year’s draft. Last year Williams posted a 66.6 completion percentage, 4,537yards, 42 touchdowns, five interceptions, 382 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Considering Justin Fields has proven he’s an NFL quarterback, the Bears are open for business, to trade Fields as I mentioned earlier or trade this pick for the cliché king’s ransom. I say they keep the selection, ship Fields for picks, players or both, and roll with Williams. You can’t pass up a prospect like this and the Bears, thanks to trading away the No. 1 pick a year ago, got VERY lucky to be in the position to draft there again thanks to the hapless Carolina Panthers. 2. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS — Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU 2023: (6-3, 185 pounds) 72.2 completion percentage, 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, four interceptions, 1,134 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns Odds to be the first overall pick: +1000 It’s my first break from probably every other mock draft you’ve seen, but there’s just no way Daniels doesn’t blow past Maye once the NFL Combine and Pro Days happen. Daniels is our reigning Heisman Trophy winner and easily the second-best physical prospect at QB in this draft. Back in the preseason, he probably wasn’t in the first round of any drafts. Now, you won’t see one with him going any lower than three. 3. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina 2023: (6-5, 220 pounds) 63.3 completion percentage, 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 449 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns Odds to be the first overall pick: +400 Hyping up Daniels doesn’t mean I’m down on Maye. And, frankly as a known Patriots hater, it breaks my heart to put him there. The wild card for New England, in taking a quarterback, is Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins. Does new head coach Jarod Mayo and whoever Robert Kraft decides to tab at general manager in between trips to the local truck stop masseuse, want to do a complete rebuild or do they want to try to become a contender in what has turned into an ultra-competitive AFC East? They have the fourth most salary cap room in the league heading into the 2024-25 season. I’m slotting Maye in New England until I hear something different. 4. ARIZONA CARDINALS — Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State 2023: (6-3, 202 pounds) 67 catches, 1,211 yards, 14 touchdowns, 26 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown Odds to be the first overall pick: +950 First non-QB drafted: -550 The Cardinals got the end of season performance they needed from Kyler Murray to stay out of the quarterback business and find themselves in the perfect spot to add the best wide receiver in this draft class (unless there’s another Puka Nacua hiding in the later rounds). This is a no-brainer pick and the only way Arizona doesn’t make it is if one of the teams earlier, say the Pats, decides to take Harrison, Jr. after signing Cousins or Wilson in free agency. 5. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS — Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama 2023: (6-1, 180 pounds)32 tackles, two for a loss, seven passes defended First non-QB drafted: +3300 Considering the record that landed them the No. 5 pick in the draft, the Chargers don’t have a lot of holes. They could go edge rusher here, especially if they let Khalil Mack walk, but I’m slotting in McKinstry, who seems to be the consensus top rated corner at the moment. 6. NEW YORK GIANTS — Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama 2023: (6-4, 245 pounds) 53 tackles, 14.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, one pass defense, two forced fumbles First non-QB drafted: +1600 The Giants’ biggest need might be at quarterback. They’re probably stuck with Daniel Jones for at least another season, so they might as well add a pass rusher to take some of the pressure off Kayvon Thibodeaux. 7. TENNESSEE TITANS — Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State 2023: (6-6, 317 pounds) PFF Grade: 78.8 Odds to be the first overall pick: +10000 First non-QB drafted: +600 The Titans are pretty much starting from scratch and will likely move on from Derrick Henry at running back. He’ll probably join Ryan Tannehill and DeAndre Hopkins as