The New England Patriots opened up as 8-point favorites over the Carolina Panthers with an over/under of 47 points. The spread quickly widened to 9- or 10-points depending on the oddsmaker as the Patriots are the heavy favorites.
The Patriots are coming off an incredible win over the Houston Texans, while the 2-1 Panthers are is much more serious trouble than their record suggests.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was benched after 3 interceptions against the Saints, while top receiver Kelvin Benjamin suffered an apparent knee injury worth monitoring. Tight end Greg Olsen is out for an extended period of time with a broken foot. The Panthers offense is hurting.
And the once-stout Carolina defense just allowed 34 points to the New Orleans Saints, which opens the door for the Patriots to replicate the feat.
Do you think the opening line is fair?