The Carolina Panthers will head on the road to face the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday for an NFL regular season matchup. The Panthers have won the past two meeting between these franchises.
The Panthers are now 3-0 after taking care of the Texans 24-9 on the road last week. Sam Darnold has proven he can be a competent NFL starter with talent around him, finishing with another great game in Houston. He was 23/34 for 304 yards and no turnovers, despite losing Christian McCaffrey early in the game. DJ Moore led the receivers with eight catches for 126 yards. The defense had another solid game, limiting the Texans to 193 yards of total offense. To start the season, Carolina ranks 8th with 284.7 passing yards per game and 15th with 105.7 rushing yards per game. They have averaged 23 points per game while giving up 10 to their opponents. Sam Darnold ranks 10th in the NFL with 888 Passing yards through three games.
Dallas has now won two in a row after dominating the Eagles 41-21 at home. They accumulated 380 total yards in the game, and more importantly held the ball for 35 minutes compared to just 25 for the Eagles. The Ezekiel Elliot/Tony Pollard combination was effective all game, as both averaged over five yards per carry with 155 yards between them. Dalton Shultz had a great game from the tight end spot, leading the team with six catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Through three games, the Cowboys rank 10th with 277.3 passing yards per game and 4th with 139.3 yards on the ground. They have averaged 30 points per game while surrendering 23 to the opposition. Trevon Diggs is having a solid start to the season; the second-year corner leads the NFL with three interceptions and six passes defended.
Carolina is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games, 5-5 on the money line, and the under is 6-4.
Dallas is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games, 6-4 on the money line, and the over is 7-3.
This will be a big test for the Panthers, to see if they can go on the road without McCaffrey against a solid Dallas team. Their defense has been the best in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game, which includes a game against the Saints who dropped 38 on the Packers in week one. The Cowboy’s defense has also been solid but has allowed 331.7 yards per game through the air. Darnold has taken a big step forward this season, and still has plenty of weapons around him with his top RB out. Give me the Panthers to cover on the road.
AUTHOR: Joe Bonomo
Mitch's Take...
