Carolina Panthers Odds - Jake Delhomme key to Panthers success
The Panthers odds for a 12-4 season would have been outlandish and the online sports betting community would have never predicted it, but after such an impressive last season, the bar is set high this year. The Panthers betting fan base should temper their expectations, though - a tough division and tougher schedule will lower their win total.
Carolina Panthers Odds: +2200 to win Super Bowl XLIV
- Panthers carry over almost the exact same roster from last year
- Running game will fuel the offense once again
- Jake Delhomme’s arm and decision-making will decide how successful the Panthers will be
The Panthers odds for Super Bowl XLIV are in reasonable striking distance because their squad has plenty of consistency from last year. The sportsbook odds makers list them at 22-to-1 because they have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, a consistent defense, and not many holes overall.
The offense took a huge step forward in 2008 mostly because quarterback Jake Delhomme was healthy, but also because the running game and offensive line clicked. All those key constituents, such as explosive running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, are back this season. The Panthers odds to win each week will be fueled by the dynamic tandem of Williams and Stewart, who combined for 2351 yards and 28 touchdowns. The good news is both backs have yet to hit their prime. Williams is just 25 years old while Stewart is 22.
The NFL betting community knows that the passing game will have to improve if Carolina is to become a true contender. Steve Smith is one of the best wideouts in the game, but he needs a secondary partner to distract some of the defensive attention away from him. Aside from Muhsin Muhammad, who is nothing more than a possession receiver at this point in his career, the Panthers have no threats in the passing game.
On defense, the Panthers betting fans know that their team is not the most dominant unit, but they are a capable one. Up front, Julius Peppers is still the rock while linebacker Jon Beason and cornerback Chris Gamble anchor the other two levels of defense. This is clearly an above average unit but it’s not one that dominates or frightens anyone.
The Panthers odds will be dependent on their quarterback’s arm. The running game will function weekly, the defense will be reliable, but if Delhomme makes ridiculous mistakes like he did in the NFC playoffs, then the Panthers will fall short of the Super Bowl. If Delhomme can bounce back from his mistake-laden postseason and prove that he is in fact still a leader who can carry this team, then the Panthers will truly be a power player in the NFC.
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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
