We’re not sure if BetAnySports NFL betting fans really noticed, but the situation with the Carolina Panthers is falling apart. This team, which looked so promising at the season’s outset, is now so desperate for QB alternatives that they have signed a hero of the past, who may not have a future.
And they will line upon Sunday, maintaining some hope against the Arizona Cardinals. But as we saw from these same Cards last week, in the face of adversity, the unexpected sometimes happens.
This game is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale,AZ.
The real McCoy?
The Cardinals were missing both Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins last week. But they were rescued, in a sense, by backup QB Colt McCoy. The journeyman completed 22 of 26 passes for 249 yards in a 31-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Murray had to sit out that game with an ankle injury, and it appears they may have to do the same thing again. Let’s put it this way – the term that is being used is that they are “pessimistic” about him playing.
Now, you must understand that there is a reason why McCoy is a journeyman. Ir’s not as if a new star has emerged. So don’t assume that this is a cakewalk.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers – Here are the numbers….
In the line that has been posted on this game at BetAnySports, the Cards are double-digit favorites:
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | +9 (-110) | 42 (-110) | +315 |  |
| Cardinals | -9 (-110) | 42 (-110) | -410 | |
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And remember that you can get reduced juice on this game, as well as real-time wagering through Premier Lines, Ultimate Lines and Super Lines!
Panthers have a QB situation
Sam Darnold had been an optimistic acquisition for the Panthers. And offensive coordinator Joe Brady was eager to work with him. Carolina also wanted to see if they were going to have to seek a long-term solution at quarterback.
Well, after an encouraging start, Darnold went through a meltdown. And he became a very shaky proposition. Now he is on injured reserve. And the Panthers have had to, for the time being, turn to PJ Walker, who played for Matt Rhule at Temple and was a big star in the XFL.
Walker can move around pretty well. But he is only 49.3% accurate as an NFL passer, and he has thrown five interceptions in 71 attempts. Walker has also been sacked seven times. He doesn’t have a big body of work, but you have to wonder whether he’s the kind of guy Brady can really do something with.
Carolina has signed Cam Newton to a one-year contract to return to the Panthers. Rhule has said that once Newton gets up to speed with the offense, he will be the starter.
About the Cardinals
Arizona is at the top of the NFC West for a number of reasons. One of those is that they can play a lot of defense. The Cards are second best in the NFL in points allowed on a per-drive basis. There appears to be a chink in the armour in the respect that they allow 4.8 yards per carry. But they have done a tremendous job in the secondary, as they have limited teams to 6.1 yards per pass attempt. And that is not a great news item for Walker.
Arizona is also adept at running the ball, consistently ranking in the top ten in the NFL. And that may be a surprise to those who know Kliff Kingsbury’s background. James Conner, who came over from Pittsburgh, is tied for the league lead in rushing TD’s (ten). And he is half of a nice duo with Chase Edmonds in the backfield.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers – Our conclusion
It’s quite possible that the Panthers will have a lot of problems scoring. We don’t necessarily believe in Walker until he shows us something at this level. And while we acknowledge the presence of Christian McCaffrey, we can also tell you that he averages just 3.8 yards a carry, which is not imposing.
But you know, Carolina’s defense is what really helps them hang in there. They have surrendered just 24 yards per drive, which is best in the NFL. So again, unless you’re looking for McCoy to recreate his hero role again, don’t expect that the Cards will run over these guys.
This game features two stop units that rush the passer well(both in NFL top six in sack percentage). And two of the best around right now are Arizona’s Markus Golden and Carolina’s Haason Reddick. Neither QB will have an easy time. You could do a lot worse here than going with the UNDER on this game.
At BetAnySports, you don’t have to stop wagering when the game has kicked off! You can stay very much involved with Super Lines, Premier Lines and Ultimate Lines…… And with reduced juice, you get a better price, so you can save a lot of money over the long run on your bets. Give it a try!
