NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL Week 2: Picks Against the Spread

By Cody Williams

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 17
Next
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts following a third down incomplete pass in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts following a third down incomplete pass in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers (-13.5)

It’s not every week in the NFL that you see a team win by four touchdowns one week and then be near-two touchdown underdogs the next week. However, it’s not every week that the San Francisco 49ers get to play the Los Angeles Rams and then go on the road against the defending NFC champs in the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers, too, are coming off of a season-opening loss. In an opening week that felt full of such instances, Carolina was another victim of a missed game-winning field goal attempt at the end of the game. Graham Gano gaffes aside, though, the Panthers had their share of hiccups against the Broncos in Week 1. Cam Newton took his fair share of shots and the Denver defense once again largely had their way. Meanwhile, the 49ers dominated a Rams team that might go .500 in the CFL—or so it appeared.

As much as any double-digit line frightens me in the modern NFL and with the underdog coming off of a victory, I have to go with the home team in this matchup. Across the board on both sides of the ball, the Panthers have the perceived advantage. I think that will be good for a blowout victory where they easily cover the 13.5-point spread.

Pick: Panthers (-13.5)

Next: 49ers at Panthers

Home/NFL