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Edgar Chaput
Chargers vs. Panthers Point Spread: NFL Week 2 Odds, Prediction
Expectations differed in L.A. and Carolina as the 2024 regular season loomed. The Chargers, now led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, wanted to bank on their undeniable talent and finally make headway with a playoff run. The Panthers, under the auspices of Dave Canales walking the sideline, hoped to put a dreadful 2023 behind them. L.A. has taken one right step. Carolina, well, we’ll talk about it below.
Telltale sign: it’s only Week 2 yet the Chargers are a -6.5 favourite, as per the NFL odds. The over-under is presently set at 39.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
As a testament to how rapidly things have changed, consider that the Panthers have won the last four meetings with the Chargers, dating back to 2008. In fact, the most recent win in 2020 was when they had Teddy Bridgewater as their gunslinger, and most people remember that as, at best, a mediocre campaign.
This will be the first time since 2016 that the Panthers host the Chargers.
Harbaugh’s Chargers have commenced 2024 on a positive note, covering their spread in Week 1 for a 1-0 record thus far. So much has changed about this team during the offseason that comparing it with last year seems unjust. Even so, Los Angeles was not very good away from home, compiling a 3-5 straight-up record. They were a decent 2-3 when playing in the Eastern Standard time zone.
It goes without saying that last week’s performance did Carolina no favours with the spread. They are, unsurprisingly, 0-1. This team struggles mightily ATS. Even last year they were 4-11-2. In 2023, the Panthers were 2-6 straight-up at home – their only two victories on the season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though Week 1’s opposition wasn’t considered a tremendous threat, the 22-10 victory did a load of good.
First, it was payback for an insultingly bad game last December versus the Las Vegas Raiders. Second, the Chargers pulled out a win despite the narrow margins. That was a task which eluded them for multiple seasons. Is it the Harbaugh factor? Maybe. Only time will tell.
In some ways Las Vegas dug its own grave, but it would be hard not to commend the Chargers for showing some grit. RB J.K. Dobbins, a castaway from Baltimore, scampered for 135 yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown in the third quarter. His brilliant second half flipped the script on a disappointing 7-6 halftime deficit. Rookie WR Ladd McConkey is small in stature but showed a big heart, corralling five passes, capped off by the game-sealing, fourth-quarter score. If anything, the player everyone talks about when discussing this team, Justin Herbert, was relatively quiet, going 17-for-26 and 144 yards.
A good start to a season that saw the Chargers cash in for once on being within striking distance throughout a match.
Carolina Panthers
Is it possible to be even worse than what a fanbase’s already low expectations perceive of you? Judging by what transpired against the Saints in New Orleans last week, it appears the answer is a resounding “yes.”
It’s difficult to muster enthusiasm about this Panthers outfit. The 47-10 spanking they received exposed many flaws. They didn’t have a great defence last season and apparently still don’t. They didn’t have a great attack last season and apparently still don’t. One season plus one match is not enough to draw conclusions about Bryce Young, but he doesn’t look good. His stature in the pocket is rigid. His movements lack fluidity. For the record, Young went 13-for-30, totalling 161 yards, and two brutal picks. He made Derek Carr, who only finished with 200 yards, look brilliant.
There is a confluence of issues in Carolina. The offensive line is leaky, which results in an inexperienced QB incapable of connecting with Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, or Xavier Legette.
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