The NFL is off and running in 2021 with a jam-packed slate of preseason games. On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will visit the Indianapolis Colts in the first preseason game for both teams. Indianapolis and Carolina are working through uncertain quarterback situations, with the Panthers welcoming Sam Darnold and the Colts potentially opening the season without starter Carson Wentz. The Colts went 11-5 a season ago, while Carolina was 5-11.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The latest Panthers vs. Colts odds from Caesars Sportsbook list Indianapolis as a three-point home favorite. The over-under for total points is 33.5, down one from the opener. Before locking in any Colts vs. Panthers picks or NFL predictions, make sure you check out what SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White has to say.
CBS Sports’ Fantasy and gambling editor, White ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. It’s no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world’s most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest.
In addition, White is on an astounding 30-18 run on his picks involving the Colts, returning nearly $1,000. Anyone who has followed him is way up.
Now, White has set his sights on Panthers vs. Colts and recently revealed his expert NFL picks. You can head to SportsLine to see his picks. Now, here are the NFL odds, betting lines and trends for Panthers vs. Colts:
- Panthers vs. Colts spread: Colts -3
- Panthers vs. Colts over-under: 33.5 points
- Panthers vs. Colts money line: Colts -140, Panthers +120
- CAR: Panthers were 9-7 against the spread last season
- IND: Colts were 9-8 against the spread in 2020
Featured Game | Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers
Why the Panthers can cover
The Panthers have a few potential advantages. One of them comes with quarterback, both due to the injury issues for Indianapolis and because of Carolina’s overall depth. Walker is a very capable backup, and Will Grier has some upside in a preseason setting as well.
Indianapolis also has major injury questions to its offensive line, and considering that is one of the great strengths of its roster, things could swing toward Carolina. Reports are also strong about Carolina’s upgrades on the defensive side, and the Panthers could create havoc against a unit that is not deploying all of its regulars in this setting.
Why the Colts can cover
One of the big keys to this game comes at quarterback. If the Colts were healthy, it could be viewed as a neutral matchup, or even an advantage for Indianapolis, but Carson Wentz is out and Indianapolis also has injuries to its offensive line. That sets up a scenario in which Carolina has the edge at quarterback and also has depth because of PJ Walker.
The Colts may also be incredibly careful given how many injuries they already have. Throw in the fact that the Panthers are likely trying to set a new tone after a middling season in 2020, and Carolina could be the value side.
How to make Panthers vs. Colts picks
White has analyzed this matchup and while we can tell you he’s leaning over the total, he has discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He’s only sharing what it is, and who to back, at SportsLine.
So who wins Panthers vs. Colts? And which critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a massive value? Visit SportsLine now to see R.J. White’s Panthers vs. Colts pick, all from the NFL expert who’s 30-18 on picks involving the Colts, and find out.