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Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans
Looks like former Jets QB Sam Darnold has found his vindication through his new team in Carolina. Everyone was skeptical of his skills, even the Jets thought his skills were lacking when they shipped him off in favor of rookie QB Zach Wilson who is struggling immensely to find his footing. Darnold is definitely comfortable in the pocket in his first two games completing 50 of 73 passes while throwing for 584 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT.
Tyrod Taylor has a tragic story in the NFL and tragedy has struck again. Taylor stepped up and has taken the mantle of the Texans, who are facing controversy with Watson, only to get injured once again. Latest reports say he could miss up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. Taylor has completed 31 of 44 passes while tossing for 416 yards and 3 touchdowns. Some solid numbers. It appears that they will have to start rookie Mills, who was drafted in the third round.
When it comes to who has the rushing advantage I’m not going to pretend that it’s up for debate. Christian McCaffrey is the most dynamic back to hit the NFL in a long time. He is the heart and soul of this team. He has 45 touches for 170 yards with 1 rushing touchdown. He also has 14 receptions for 145 yards.
Although neither team’s wide receivers are considered elite, the Panthers have the better receiving corps. Cooks is heavily targeted and targets drop off steeply from there. Cooks does have 210 yards on 14 catches but if the Panthers align their dedense to take away Cooks with a rookie QB, they can eliminate the passing game and force them to beat them on the ground. McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and Robby Anderson get the advantage with a better quarterback as well.
The Panthers are -7.5 favorite to cover the spread. With rookie QB Mills behind center, it’s hard to trust this team that isn’t even good on paper even with Watson starting. The Texans may have had a shot to cover with Taylor but the Panthers should roll and cover the -7.5.
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