Panthers vs Dolphins Odds - Backups should lead Panthers over disinterested Dolphins
Hard to believe that the Panthers vs Dolphins odds could have been a Super Bowl matchup last year, but heading into the 2009 season, pundits are dropping expectations. Neither team exerts too much effort in preseason games, but with the better backups, look for the Panthers to get the win.
Panthers vs Dolphins odds: Dolphins -1
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Saturday, August 22nd – 7:30 PM ET
- WHERE: Dolphin Stadium – Miami, FL
- PICK: Panthers
Panthers vs Dolphins odds maker breakdown: Offense Online betting sharps shouldn’t expect to see the Panthers’ first stringers in the game for too long on Saturday night. With injuries to Steve Smith and Jonathan Steweart, the Panthers won’t risk the health of their veterans for a preseason game. Even so, with Josh McCown and Matt Moore behind Jake Delhomme, the Panthers have a couple of quarterbacks who have started a handful of NFL games. Also, running back Mike Goodson has looked good so far in the preseason so the Panthers do have decent depth. For the Dolphins, after Chad Pennington sits down they’ll insert Chad Henne and Pat White into the lineup. Unfortunately, both quarterbacks have looked so-so. Henne figures to see the most time as he is the quarterback of the future. Betting Edge: Panthers
Panthers vs Dolphins odds maker breakdown: Defense On defense, the Panthers don’t have much in the way of depth. NFL betting fans know they are still trying to recover for the loss of defensive tackle Maake Kemeatu, who was injured in training camp. The Panthers have a very good starting lineup, but with little depth behind them, don’t expect the coaching staff to keep the starters in the game very long. The Dolphins have more in the way of backups. The secondary in particular has a heated battle for a starting cornerback position, and as many as four potential starters will be competing for that job in this preseason contest. The Dolphins also have a good second unit at linebacker, which gives this team the edge on defense. Betting Edge: Dolphins
Panthers vs Dolphins odds maker breakdown: Special Teams Special teams are about even in this contest, as the Panthers are a little steadier with their kicking game while the Dolphins have better return units with Ted Ginn Jr. Keep an eye on the Dolphins’ place kickers as incumbent Dan Carpenter is being pushed by Connor Barth. Betting Edge: Even
Panthers vs Dolphins odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries The Panthers come into this game in far worse shape than the Dolphins. The Panthers will be without Jonathan Stewart, who is nursing an Achilles injury, and Steve Smith, who has a shoulder injury. Also, the aforementioned injury of Kemoeatu is going to impact the Panthers’ run defense in this game and every other game throughout the year. Betting Edge: Dolphins
Panthers vs Dolphins betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick The sportsbook odds makers will make Miami a slight favorite at home, but in a game where neither team is really interested in winning, stick with the Panthers who have the better quarterback rotation. STAN’S PICK: Panthers
For more fantasy news and analysis on sports betting, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge daily. 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?
