Carolina Panthers +9 @ San Diego Chargers
9/7/08
The San Diego Chargers started the year out slowly last year winning just oNCe in their first 4 Games, both SU and ATS, and averaging just 17 pts per Game. But from then on they were one of the best money makers in the NFL with a 10-2 SU and ATS finish, followed by a 3-0 playoff spread run. At home they were almost a sure bet with an 8-1 ATS record overall. They are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Games as a favorite. And going back to 2004, they are 11-1 ATS their last 12 Games as a favorite of between 9-11 pts. The Chargers are left pretty much intact this year, with the losses of RB Michael Turner and OT Shane Olivea being the most notable exceptions.
The Carolina Panthers had a disappointing season last year, mainly due to the loss of QB Jake Delhomme to injury. In the 3 Games he started though, the Panthers went 2-1 both SU and ATS, and averaged 25 pts per Game. Delhomme should be ready to go this year, and will be protected by a beefy offensive line that will feature 6’6″, 330+ lb, 1st round draft pick RT Jeff Otah out of Pitt U. The receiving corps welcomes back ex-Panther Muhsin Muhammad to compliment Steve Smith, as well as newcomer D.J. Hackett who comes over from Seattle. The Panthers should have a nice one-two puNCh in the backfield with returning RB DeAngelo Williams and 1st round draft pick Jonathan Stewart, out of the University of Oregon. On defense, they will be looking for DE Julius Peppers to return to form after a down year.
The Panthers were 10 point dogs a couple of times late last year, but they have never been a 10 point underdog as long as Jake Delhomme has been the starting QB. And even without him last year, they still managed to go 6-7 ATS, iNCluding 3-3 on the road.
Even with Steve Smith sitting, I still think the +10 points are likely a good value. I’m halfway expecting the Chargers to come out of the GAte a little slow again this year, considering they dont give Tomlinson any reps during the preseason. Last year he didnt get going until around the 4th Game. Plus they’ve got their hated division rival, the Denver Broncos, on deck for the following week. I’m going to take Carolina +10 in this spot and expect them to come out and run the ball, make a few plays and do well enough defensively to cover the double digit spread.
BETTING TRENDS
CAROLINA
Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 Games
Carolina is 3-7 SU in its last 10 Games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Carolina’s last 13 Games
Carolina is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 Games on the road
Carolina is 7-3 SU in its last 10 Games on the road
SAN DIEGO
San Diego is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 Games
San Diego is 8-1 SU in its last 9 Games
San Diego is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 Games at home
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 Games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego’s last 7 Games at home
KEY RELEASES GO TO THE MAILING LIST 1ST! – SIGN UP BELOW
Fill out your e-mail address
to receive Our Free Picks Newsletters! Email address: Select your interests Free Football Picks: Free Baseball Picks: Free Basketball Picks: Free Hockey Picks: Sportsbook Promotions: