NFL Week 16 Packers at Panthers Betting Preview
Carolina About to Relish In The Spoiler Role?
When you only have 2 wins all season, there aren’t a lot of win streaks strung together but Carolina can get their first consecutive victories of 2023 with a win in the week 16 Packers at Panthers betting matchup. Carolina was able to play the spoiler in week 15, holding on to a 9-7 win against visiting Atlanta that put a dent in the Falcons’ postseason chances.
Green Bay (6-8) is essentially already playing in the playoffs right now because they’ll need to win out just to have any chance at making the “real” postseason. The Packers haven’t done themselves any favors in losing at New York and vs. Tampa Bay the last two weeks so beating the worst team in the NFL is a must. GB is just a -3.5 favorite here, but 67% of the betting public is riding with the Pack.
Why the Packers Have Value at -3.5
It’s time for Green Bay to stop messing around like they did in a loss to the Giants as -5.5 favorites and then last week’s 34-20 home debacle defeat against Tampa Bay as -3.5 favorites. The Packers are no longer in any spot to overlook opponents, as they’ve put themselves up against it needing to win their final three games to try and sneak into the wild card.
Green Bay’s defense shouldn’t have any problem holding the Panthers’ offense at bay on Sunday as Carolina has been held to 13 points or less in six of their last seven. It’s no shocker that Carolina ranks 30th in the NFL in total yards (270.9), are 31st in passing (164.9) and are scoring a measly 14.7 ppg.
While the Packers defense should be able to hold up their end of the bargain here, their offense welcomed RB Aaron Jones back to the field last week as he ran for 53 yards vs the Bucs and also had 4 catches. QB Jordan Love has 11 TDs to just 1 INT over his last five games so being able to run the ball and not turn it over is a recipe for success vs. the Panthers.
Why the Panthers Have Value at +3.5
Carolina lost their 2024 first round pick to Chicago so they could move up to draft QB Bryce Young, so tanking doesn’t benefit the Panthers the remainder of the season. That was evident last week, as Carolina beat the Falcons – who were at the time in 1st place in the NFC South.
The Panthers are trying to build momentum that carries over to next season even if they won’t have the high draft picks to add reinforcements that route. Young completed 18/24 passes vs. Atlanta last week – the first time he’s completed over 60% of his passes in the past six games which is a confidence builder.
Carolina managed just 3 FGs in the win over the Falcons, but their defense was great in holding Atlanta to 52 yards rushing and 152 pass yards. They could emulate that vs. the Packers, who are missing WR Christian Watson (hamstring) for the third straight game – all losses so far.
Free Week 16 Packers at Panthers Betting Pick
Green Bay can’t lose a third straight game as a favorite – can they? The Packers are just 2-5 on the road this season and coach Matt LaFleur’s former unblemished record in December has taken a hit with consecutive losses this month. It’s possible this Packers club has quit on the coach and on the season.
Free Pick: Panthers +3.5
