The interesting number heading into Cardinals at Panthers betting for NFL’s week 4 is the total of 51.5. Most people would assume this one is going to be a high scoring game with Arizona’s potent offense visiting Carolina’s very disappointing defense. Can Carolina’s offense do their part to hit that total though?
2-1 Arizona is -3 point underdog on the road despite losing to Detroit at home last week. That line doesn’t give a ton of respect to Carolina, who was able to notch their first win last week, 21-16 on the road against the Chargers. Bettors still love the Cardinals though, the most popular public bet of the day with nearly 75% of the wagers.
Arizona’s Offense Going to Roll Again?
The Cardinals offense has got it going out of the gate, ranking top 10 in total yards at 406.3/game. Arizona has improved their passing attack with the addition of Deandre Hopkins who has 356 yards in three games. The Cardinals can also run the ball, ranking 7th in the league at 149+ per game.
The big question heading into Cardinals at Panthers betting is “how do you lose to Detroit at home?” Arizona fell for the first time last week, letting the Lions hang around before ultimately leaving the desert with a 26-23 win as +4.5 underdogs. QB Kyler Murray was the major culprit responsible for the loss with his 3 INTs.
The Arizona defense also has to take some of the blame for the week three defeat. The Cardinals had been stout in allowing 20 points to San Francisco in the opener and 15 to Washington in week two, both wins. Arizona did outgain Detroit in both rushing and passing though and sacked Matthew Stafford four times – the Murray INTs were the difference.
Panthers Got Something Going?
Carolina’s 21-16 win last week was unexpected, on the road out West as +6 point underdogs. It was definitely a much-better showing for the Carolina defense, who allowed 34 points to Las Vegas in the opener and 31 to Tampa Bay in week two.
Was week three really a good outing from the Carolina defense though? Chargers rookie Justin Herbert threw for 330 yards (albeit on 49 attempts) and Los Angeles outgained the Panthers 117-81 on the ground. Without three fumbles lost and an interception from the Chargers, Carolina could be coming into Sunday’s game on an 11-game losing streak.
The Carolina offense definitely needs to be better Sunday as well. Teddy Bridgewater and Co. produced just one TD vs. the Chargers and settled for five field goals all within 32 yards or shorter. The Panthers somehow have a top 10 passing offense on the season, but are up against a very good Cardinals defense that is 8th in the NFL vs. the pass.
Cardinals at Panthers Betting Free Pick
This meeting is an interesting one with Arizona losing a game they should have won last week – but the Panthers coming in off a win they easily could’ve lost. The Cardinals definitely have more weapons, but this just feels like a game they come up short in, especially as the most popular wager of the day. Ultimately this will be lower scoring than expected though with two defenses that have the potential to ramp things up.
Cardinals 17 – Panthers 16
Free Pick: Under 51.5
