NFL Preseason Week 2 Picks: Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Thursday, 8/15/13, 7:30 PM EST, TV: N/A
Opening Point Spread: Philadelphia -3
Current Betting Line: Philadelphia -3
Opening Total: 42.5
Current Total: 43.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Carolina Panthers won their preseason opener over the Chicago Bears last week

Carolina picked up a 24-17 victory over the Chicago Bears as three-point home favorites in its NFL preseason opener last Friday, while going OVER the betting total of 34. The Panthers were concerned about their secondary heading into camp, but they managed to play well against quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Brandon Marshall. On the offensive end, quarterback Cam Newton played three series and completed 3 of 6 passes, which should be considered when making your pro football picks Thursday.

The Panthers have been busy preparing to face a new type of offense this week, as the Eagles have a new look with first year head coach Chip Kelly. “We have to play very fast because I knew they are going to come out no-huddle and try to catch us on our heels,” commented Eagles corner back Captain Munnerlyn. Offensively, the running game will likely be featured in this affair, as it faces a defense that allowed 248 rushing yards in its preseason opener against New England Patriots.

Philadelphia is surprisingly the betting favorite on the NFL odds page, as it looks to bounce back from a 31-22 setback to the Patriots last Friday, while going well over the betting total of 40. The Eagles are still deciding on their starting quarterback, with Nick Foles and Michael Vick both playing two series first time out, with Kelly likely to determine a winner after the third preseason game on Aug. 24 against Jacksonville. Foles will open this contest under center after completing 5 of 6 passes for 43 yards. Philadelphia will be looking to gain revenge from a 30-22 setback to Carolina as three-point home underdogs on Nov. 26 of last season.

The Eagles offensive line will face a Panthers front seven that is anchored in the middle by the team’s two most recent first-round picks, which should provide a major test. Philadelphia may also have to worry about Carolina linebacker Charles Johnson, who recorded 12.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles a year ago. Running back LeSean McCoy should see his first action of the preseason after sitting out the first affair with a knee injury.