The Raiders return a solid offensive line and an improving defensive line. Expect them to control the trenches against Carolina. The Raiders' youth at receiver will actually be a benefit, as there is zero film for the Panthers to scout. Lay the points.

This is a big number considering the Panthers have a new offensive system and a conservative QB in Teddy Bridgewater. With the Raiders' receivers banged up, we can expect both teams to lean on the ground game.

I have both teams rated equal on a neutral field. The Raiders are playing at an East Coast location at 10 a.m. PT, which historically doesn't bode well for West Coast teams. The Raiders have the same QB and head coach that closed out 2019 with losses in five of their last six.. Carolina has a great receiving corps and the most exciting running back in the league. New QB Teddy Bridgewater is 16-2 ATS as an underdog because he doesn’t take a lot of risks or make mistakes.

Four rookie Panthers defensive starters, in a year with no preseason games and little offseason work? Seems like a recipe for disaster, especially in Week 1. It’s usually not a great idea to lay points like this on the road, but even if Christian McCaffrey runs wild it'll be hard for Carolina to keep this one close. The Panthers also have a rookie head coach, a new QB and a lessened home-field advantage with a limited crowd. Lay the field goal.