The Carolina Panthers square off with the San Francisco 49ers for the first time since 2019, when the 49ers were four-point home favorites but ended up delivering a 51-13 whipping to the visitors. This time, the 49ers head east as 6.5-point favorites on the road, despite the fact that the point total is only 39.5 points. You’re well within your rights to wonder which San Francisco team will show up after the 49ers lost in Denver two weeks ago, 11-10, in between a 20-point home win over Seattle and a 15-point beating of the Rams on Monday night. Carolina has limped out to a 1-3 start that includes a 10-point home loss to Arizona in Week 4. The arrival of Baker Mayfield has brought some intrigue to the Panthers, but he has not been able to get the offense up and running, even with a healthy Christian McCaffrey carrying the ball. Let’s take a look at this NFC showdown as you plan out your sports betting for the weekend.
NFL Preview: San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers
(Sunday, October 9)
When: Sunday, October 9, 2022, 4:05 pm ET Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC TV: CBS Radio: KNBR 680 AM San Francisco / WRFX 99.7 FM Charlotte Live Stream: Sling TV NFL Odds: San Francisco -6.5 / O/U 39.5 // San Francisco -285 / Carolina +228
Why should you bet on the 49ers?
Despite an iffy statistical night from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers emphatically beat the Rams on Monday night. They won, as they have over the Rams in the regular season seven straight times now, by controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing turnovers. San Francisco outgained the Rams, 327-257, and had a +2 turnover differential. The last turnover was the final dagger, as Talanoa Hufanga took an interception to the house with 6:27 remaining in regulation. Deebo Samuel keyed the offense, catching six balls for 115 yards and a touchdown. That score came on a 57-yard catch-and-run late in the first half and staked the 49ers to a 14-6 lead.
In the running game, Jeff Wilson Jr carried the ball 18 times for 74 yards and a score. The O-line was missing left tackle Trent Williams, but the unit regrouped and kept the Rams’ powerful pass rush from getting to Garoppolo. Williams is likely to be unable this week as well, and Colton McKivitz injured a knee this week to leave the offensive line two starters short. However, the Panthers have the eighth-worst run defense in the league, permitting 134.0 yards per game, and the San Francisco D has 15 sacks, tied for second with Dallas. They lead the NFL in quarterback pressures, applying pressure on 34.2% of passing plays. In their last nine games, the 49ers have covered seven times, while the Panthers have covered just once in their last 11 games.
Why should you put your money on the Panthers?
Carolina got away from its running game against Arizona, running just 13 times for 40 yards. Arizona outgained the Panthers, 338-220, as well. The Panthers’ defense has struggled at all three levels this season, and with Xaiver Woods held out of practice this week, that means one more hole to fill in the Panthers’ defense, as neither starting safety was healthy enough to take the field.
The Panthers’ offense saw Baker Mayfield have more passes batted at the line of scrimmage, one of which led to one of his two interceptions on the day. He went 22 of 36 for 197 yards and a score to go with those picks, but he also lost a fumble. Christian McCaffrey caught nine passes for 81 yards and a score, and D.J. Moore caught six balls for 50 yards. Laviska Shenault is questionable (hamstring), but having him running routes would add a boost to the offense.
Final Score and Prediction
San Francisco struggled in Denver in Week 3, but Jimmy G bounced back with his Week 4 performance, a trend that I see carrying over into Week 5. The Panthers’ defense has struggled against every team they have faced this year, and I see the 49ers taking advantage. I predict a final score of San Francisco 24, Carolina 13.
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