The NFL week 3 Panthers at Seahawks betting matchup doesn’t look like the greatest game on paper, but with the Cowboys/Cardinals and Bears/Chiefs being the other two games on the afternoon slate this might be the marquee matchup.
It’s a tough order for Carolina to go on the road – with their 2nd string QB – and get the upset, but oddsmakers have Seattle as just -5 point favorites. That line could smell a trap on the Seahawks, especially with over 70% of the betting public on the home team.
Why the Panthers Have Value at +5
The first thing indicating Carolina may cover the number on Sunday is the line itself, which is only +5 points even though the Panthers have started off 0-2 and are going on the road. When a spread looks too low – as over 70% of the betting public think it does – then a contrarian play/fade isn’t a horrible idea.
The Panthers are without starting QB Bryce Young in the week 3 Panthers at Seahawks betting matchup, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Everybody knows it’s a developmental year for the #1 draft pick, and he was completing less than 60% of his passes with 2 TD to 2 INT through his first two games. Veteran Andy Dalton gets the start in this spot.
Dalton could have success on Sunday against a Seattle defense that looks anything but their former Legion of Boom selves. The Seahawks have allowed 30+ points in each of their first two games, and have the NFL’s second worst defense in total yards allowed (422.0).
Why the Seahawks Have Value at -5
Carolina hasn’t played as horrible as some people expected so far this season, dropping their opener 24-10 in Atlanta and having a hard fought 20-17 defeat vs the Saints last week. That being said, Seattle should win Sunday’s game rather easily because they have a huge talent advantage in this game.
Geno Smith regained some of his 2022 form last week, going 32/41 for 328 yards and 2 TDs. Tyler Lockett had 8 catches and 2 TDs while D.K. Metcalf went for 6-75. Carolina has had a good pass defense this season (149.0 ypg) but are 25th vs the run which means Seattle RB Kenneth Walker III is the x-factor on Sunday. A balanced Seahawks offense is a dangerous one.
Seattle’s defense has had some issues to say the least, but they’ve also played a couple solid offenses in the Rams and Seahawks. That changes in week 3 with the Panthers having the league’s worst pass offense (133.0 ypg).
Free Week 3 Panthers at Seahawks Betting Preview
You always have to be leery of the trap play, but it’s also important not to overthink things. Oddsmakers seem to believe that the Panthers offense may indeed be better with the experienced Dalton, and they’ve overvalued Seattle’s defensive struggles with the Seahawks playing two good offenses so far. Pete Carroll’s club gets it done rather easily in this one.
Free Pick: Seahawks -5
