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Houston at Carolina NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds & Prediction
When: Wednesday, August 9, 2017, 7:30 PM ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC TV: NFL Network Radio: KILT 610 AM (Houston) / WBT 1110 AM (Carolina) Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds: Carolina -3, O/U 36.5“Everybody that’s able to play will play.”
Bill O’Brien talks Wednesday’s preseason opener vs. the #Panthers. : https://t.co/SrS7Aed9Ou pic.twitter.com/OHTYZQJc8N — Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 7, 2017
Weather Forecast
- Chance of Rain – 26°C/79°F
- Humidity: 57%
- Precipitation: 32%
- Wind: 6 mph East
- Cloud Cover: 40%
- Type of Stadium: Open
Why should you bet on the Texans?
Obviously, the biggest buzz around this game for the Texans is the arrival of Deshaun Watson at quarterback. However, Zach Cunningham comes in from the draft ready to contribute as a nickel linebacker, and D’Onta Foreman is that big running back that the Texans needed to convert short yardage situations. Carlos Watkins is their fourth impact rookie, who will back up J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on that inside pass rush. Expect all four of those players to get some significant time on the playing field Wednesday night. DeAndre Hopkins looks to test the Carolina secondary, but it will depend on the quarterbacks’ ability to get the ball up and out of the pocket to him down the field. If the Houston offensive line does the same sort of job it did last year, this shouldn’t be a problem. The issue for Houston (ironically) might be on defense, as those young players who the Texans expect to use as their depth behind Watt and Clowney will get plenty of exposure. However, given the issues that the Panthers had on offense in terms of consistency last season, the Texans should be able to manage matters as long as they stick to their system.
Why should you put your money on the Panthers?
Linebacker Shaq Thompson should get some time early as a spy for Houston quarterback Tom Savage, and perhaps against Watson as well. Thompson did not get that many reps last year, getting lost in the rotation, and one priority for Carolina is finding ways for him to contribute. Julius Peppers returns to the Panthers after a seven-year absence and should get some action. Luke Kuechly will have some limits on his playing time as the training staff looks to ease him back into the rotation. The Panthers also have some talent under center, even if Cam Newton (shoulder) does not appear at all in game action for Carolina. Derek Anderson has made four starts over the past few seasons, and Joe Webb (who also returns kicks) looks to get some reps as well. Then there’s SMU standout Garrett Gilbert, who signed on with Oakland late last year as the Raiders were looking for quarterbacks high and low as they entered the playoffs starting third-stringer Connor Cook, and who now wants to earn a spot under center on the Panthers’ depth chart. He has gotten some rave reviews so far from local sportswriters for the passes that he has completed under pressure.Houston vs. Carolina Game History
- Total Meetings: 4
- First Meeting: November 2nd, 2003. Reliant Stadium. Houston, Texas
- Last Meeting: September 20th, 2015. Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte, North Carolina.
- All-Time Series: Tied at 2
- Largest Margin of Victory: Carolina 28-13 (2011)
- Longest Win Streak: Tied at 2
- Current Win Streak: Carolina 2 (2011-2015)
