The Las Vegas Raiders are set to host the Carolina Panthers in their home opener at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 1:05 p.m. PT. This Week 3 matchup comes on the heels of the Raiders’ surprising 26-23 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, which has injected confidence into the team. The Raiders, now 1-1, will be looking to capitalize on their momentum against a Panthers squad still searching for their first win of the season.
Heading into the game, Las Vegas (-5.5) is a consensus 5.5-point favorite over Carolina, with the over/under currently scoring 40 points. The Raiders are a -250 favorite on the, while the Panthers are at +200 to pull off the upset. Las Vegas is still sitting at +7000 NFL odds to win the Super Bowl.
Raiders’ Momentum
The Raiders’ comeback victory against the Ravens in Week 2 was a testament to their resilience and offensive capabilities. Quarterback Gardner Minshew led the charge, orchestrating three consecutive scoring drives in the fourth quarter to overturn a 10-point deficit. Wide receiver Davante Adams played a pivotal role in the comeback, making crucial receptions on the game-tying touchdown drive. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers also emerged as a reliable target, catching all nine of his targets for 98 yards, including two contested catches.
Defensively, the Raiders were anchored by edge defender Maxx Crosby, who played a key role in stifling the Ravens’ attempts to counter in the final minutes. However, Crosby’s status for the upcoming game against the Panthers is questionable due to an ankle injury, which could impact the Raiders’ defensive strategy.
Panthers’ Quarterback Shake-up
The Panthers are entering this matchup with a significant change at the quarterback position. Head coach Dave Canales has decided to bench rookie Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. This move comes after Young’s struggles in the first two games of the 2024 season, where he failed to throw a touchdown pass and a combined 60 points outscored the Panthers.
Dalton brings 14 years of NFL experience, including 163 starts, to the table. In his lone start last season, he threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns, suggesting he could potentially revitalize the Panthers’ struggling offense. This quarterback change adds an element of unpredictability to the Panthers’ attack, which the Raiders’ defense will need to prepare for.
Key Matchups and Strategies
The Raiders are expected to focus heavily on their ground game against the Panthers. Carolina’s run defense has been a glaring weakness, allowing an average of 199.5 rushing yards per game, the second-most in the NFL. Raiders running back Zamir White is anticipated to see an increased workload as coach Antonio Pierce and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy aim to exploit this vulnerability.
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers will look to Dalton to jumpstart their offense. Wide receivers Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, and rookie Xavier Legette will be key targets in the passing game. The Panthers’ ability to establish a more balanced attack could be crucial in their quest for their first win of the season.
Historical Context and Betting Odds
The Raiders hold a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 4-3 and winning the last two meetings. This will mark the Panthers’ first visit to Allegiant Stadium, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
As the game approaches, the Raiders enter as 6-point favorites, with the total set at 40 points. This suggests that oddsmakers anticipate a relatively low-scoring affair, likely influenced by the Panthers’ offensive struggles and the Raiders’ recent defensive performance.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with injuries to key players. For the Raiders, DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) and DT Christian Wilkins (knee) are listed as questionable. Linebacker Divine Deablo has been ruled out on Sunday after a concussion, and rookie cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) has been listed as “doubtful” for the home opener. Richardson has yet to play in his first NFL game.
The Panthers have DT Shy Tuttle (foot) listed as doubtful. These injuries could impact the game’s outcome, particularly in the trenches, where battles are often won and lost.
As Sunday approaches, the Raiders are poised to build on their recent success and improve to 2-1, while the Panthers aim to upset the odds and secure their first win of the season under their new quarterback. With the home crowd behind them and a favorable matchup against a struggling run defense, the Raiders have a prime opportunity to continue their positive momentum in this Week 3 clash. However, the Panthers’ quarterback change introduces an element of uncertainty that could make this game more competitive than the odds suggest.
