Carolina Panthers (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) vs. Buffalo Bills (0-1 SU, 1-0 ATS)
NFL Week 2
Date and Time: Sunday, September 15, 1:00pm
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium
TV: FOX
by Bob, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: CAR -3/BUF +3
Over/Under Total: 43.5
What a great week one we had in the NFL last week. Lot’s of close calls, upsets, and comebacks. That is what makes the NFL the best pro league in all of sports. Well, here is a game between teams that many people didn’t think much of in the preseason, and even though both teams are coming off losses, they both stood their ground against teams that many predicted to go a long ways. Both Carolina and Buffalo will be looking for their first win of the season, and I have no doubt this game will go down to the final seconds.
The Carolina Panthers actually came into this season with some sort of confidence. Yes they play in arguably the best division in football, but they firmly believe they can make a run. With quarterback Cam Newton leading the charge, Carolina feels they can hang with anyone. If not for a fumble inside the Seahawks 10 yard line a week ago, they could be easily 1-0 coming into this contest as a favorite over the Bills. If you look back at the Panthers 2012 campaign, they had quite a few games end that very same way. They gave up a 99 yard TD drive to the Atlanta Falcons with under a minute to go to lose on a last second FG. This was one of TEN losses the Panthers had that were by 8 points or less. Coming into this season, they used that stat as a sense of confidence rather than something to dwell on. To know you were just a play or two away from winning 10 more games is something to build on. Less turnovers, a little better defense, better special teams, could have altered their season tremendously. The Panthers still feel they can win the NFC South, but in the minds of their fans, enough is enough. It is time to start pulling out these close wins.
The Buffalo Bills were within seconds of knocking off their division favorite, the New England Patriots. EJ Manuel made his NFL debut and looked pretty good, as did the Buffalo defense. With EJ Manuel running the offense and with their huge weapon, CJ Spiller, he Bills are starting to gain a little confidence. They feel that if they can hang with the Patriots, that they can play with anyone. Well this week, they are at home and are underdogs. If they want to gain some respect around the league, they are going to need to win this game. The Bills stats weren’t staggering, but they made the plays when they needed to keep the game within reach. Being at home will help their case to get that first win.
This is a tough game to pick. Carolina is a road favorite at -3 but this game will not be easy. Home underdogs have covered over 61% of their games since 2010 and here we are, the Bills sitting in Buffalo at a +3. To me, this spread is a total toss up. Both teams have proven they can play, but neither team has proven they can win at a consistent level. I am going to bank on the fact that we have two average teams playing, and the home team gets the advantage.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Not a lot to say here. Carolina is a team on the verge of being good, and the Bills are young yet motivated. I just cant get over the fact that a team that cant close the deal against teams is giving up 3 points, ON THE ROAD! No Way, No way. Just be smart and take the points and Bills. Buffalo wins this thing 20-16. BUFFALO BILLS +3