The Carolina Panthers (0-2) and Arizona Cardinals (0-1) will square off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for an NFC conference clash on Sunday, September 22nd, 2019 at 1:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcasted on FOX. The Panthers come into this series owning a three-game winning streak against the Cards matched by a three-game cover streak. The two teams last met in 2016 in Charlotte with the Panthers defeating the Cards 30-20 covering as a 2.5-point favorite.
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals Key Injury Concerns
A central storyline surrounding this game is the revelation that Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton will be sitting this game out due to a foot sprain. Backup Kyle Allen will get the start in Cam’s place. As a result of this breaking news, we saw this market flip in essence from Carolina as a 2.5-point favorite to a 2.5-point dog.
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals Overview
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have yet to win or cover this season. In their most recent outing, Carolina was defeated on Thursday Night Football at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Almost all were on the Panthers to win as they closed as a 6.5-point favorite but fell 20-14 to their divisional rivals.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cards nearly staged an upset as a 13-point underdog of the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore as a 13-point underdog last Sunday. Previous to this, the Cards drew with the Lions in a 27-27 stalemate in Week One. The Cards have been a profitable venture in 2019 as they have procured a flawless 2-0 ATS record season-to-date.
Reasons to Back Carolina
It seems that none want to back Carolina here with their lack of profitability, the impression they left on Thursday Night Football, and the Newton injury. However, it is spots such as these where we can find the most value. After all, Carolina opened as the favorite, and now we get them at an enhanced price. In a nutshell that makes this a value play but it doesn’t stop there. Carolina has had ten days to prepare for this game while Arizona has had just a week. This is a huge edge that rests with the Panthers.
Reasons to Avoid Arizona
Anytime I see the public and the experts get all over an underdog, it raises a red flag. This is especially the case for an Arizona football team that had a pre-season Over/Under which was 5.5 and was +110 to play said Over. In a nutshell, few perceived that the Cards would have much success this season. Moreover, it is astounding to see the masses get all over Arizona, considering they have not won a game yet this season, and they won just three contests in 2018. I chalk this up to Arizona looking better than they did last week combined with their ATS record. However, Baltimore’s stock was inflated from the week before when they routed Miami, so Arizona’s verity, in my opinion, still remains a mystery. However, it is clear that a swerve has occurred in regards to the Newton injury and a zig-zag has manifested from all being let down by Carolina last Thursday, this is where we can take advantage.
- Get more details: Carolina at Arizona NFL Match-up Stats
