2008 Carolina Panthers NFL Betting Preview - Betus Sportsbook

Carolina Panthers
2007 Record: 7-9
ATS: 8-8
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1

One team that saw their playoff hopes dashed last season was the Carolina Panthers, who won four of their first six games then won only 3 more games the rest of the season to finish at 7-9 and 8-8 ATS. This year there is hope, but also uncertainty. After several injury-plagued seasons, it is amazing that Coach John Fox is staking his future on QB Jake Delhomme once again. All reports are that Delhomme is recovering nicely from offseason surgery and should be back in time for training camp. Fox has filled some weak links in offense that should help Delhomme’s production if healthy. Gone is longtime RB DeShaun Foster and replacing him is rookie RB Jonathan Stewart. The style Fox favors is to run the ball, and run it often. That is why they drafted Stewart in the first round and traded up to take right tackle Jeff Otah.

New acquisitions also include wide receivers D.J. Hackett, who has some upside, and Muhsin Muhammad-the former Panther who made the Pro Bowl twice while in Charlotte. If they work out it will take pressure off Steve Smith, who remains the opposition’s main target. Overall, the Panthers (6-10 o/u) have to improve on their offensive and defensive ranking from 2007. They have addressed those needs via the draft and free agency and should be a contender in what many think is an average division at best. Depending on how things play out, the Panthers could win the division with only 9 wins this year. The team most likely needs to move above .500 for coach Fox to save his job, but the good news for backers is that the easy schedule should allow this, as long as the Panthers can stay healthy.

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