NFL Week 1 Preseason's Last Battle: Panthers vs Colts - Predictions, Betting Odds, and Lines
News Article: Panthers and Colts Prepare for Season Opener Amid Quarterback Uncertainty
The NFL season is upon us, and the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts are set to kick off their campaigns in Week 1. The game, scheduled for August 15th at Lucas Oil Stadium, will be televised nationally on the NFL Network.
For the Panthers, the projected starting quarterback is Sam Darnold, who will be making his debut for the team after being acquired from the New York Jets. Darnold's competition last season was PJ Walker, who won his only start but was picked off five times and averaged 6.6 yards per attempt. Will Grier, who started two games in 2019, also returns, having thrown no touchdowns and four interceptions in his brief stint.
The backup position to Christian McCaffrey for the Panthers is currently up for grabs, with Chuba Hubbard, Reggie Bonnafon, and Rodney Smith all vying for the role. Hubbard, an Oklahoma State standout, is a notable contender, while Bonnafon and Smith provide valuable experience. The third WR position spot is also open following Curtis Samuel's departure, with Terrace Marshall Jr. and Shi Smith in the running.
The Colts, on the other hand, are without Carson Wentz due to injury, forcing them to rely on rookies Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger for the starting job. Eason, who played two seasons at Georgia before transferring to Washington, had 39 TD passes against 16 interceptions in 29 career college games. Ehlinger, who threw for just under 11,500 yards across four years at Texas, finished with 94 TD passes and 27 interceptions. Both Eason and Ehlinger are set to make their NFL debuts in this game.
The Colts' offensive line will be missing left tackle Anthony Castonzo, who retired, and his replacement, Eric Fisher, who is unlikely to be ready to start the season while he recovers from a torn Achilles. All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson is still recovering from a similar foot injury and his return is yet to be determined. However, Kwity Paye could see action in the Week 1 matchup against the Panthers, despite a mild ankle sprain. Paye and Kemoko Turay have been impressive throughout training camp for the Colts.
The pick for the Panthers vs Colts game is Under 33.5 (-115), according to the odds as of August 15th at DraftKings. The Panthers are at 115 for the moneyline, with a spread of -2.0 (-110), and an over/under of 33.5 (-105). The Colts are at -135 for the moneyline, with a spread of 2.0 (-110), and an over/under of 33.5 (-115).
As the season opener approaches, both teams are facing challenges, but the excitement is palpable. Tune in to the NFL Network on August 15th to witness the start of the 2021 NFL season.
