The Carolina Panthers will kick off their 2021 NFL season by hosting the New York Jets. We won’t know their full schedule until it’s released this evening. There are already odds for that Week 1 matchup, though.
According to BetMGM, Carolina is a 4.5-point favorite at home against New York.
The Jets went just 2-14 last season, the second-worst record in the league. However, this is a much-different squad than the one we saw in 2020. At the top, the organization dumped Adam Gase as head coach and upgraded by hiring Robert Saleh, who is coming off a sensational run as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. The Jets also made a big change at quarterback, sending Sam Darnold to Carolina for three draft picks and then taking Zach Wilson at No. 2 to replace him.
In the draft, both teams did a solid job of setting their new starters up for success. The Jets also selected OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, WR Elijah Moore and former North Carolina RB Michael Carter. Meanwhile, the Panthers picked up two wide receivers, two offensive linemen and Chuba Hubbard at running back.
The last time these teams met was back in 2017. Carolina won that matchup 35-27, aided by a rushing touchdowns from Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart plus a 60-yard punt return score by Kaelin Clay. On the other side, Robby Anderson went off for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers are 4-3 against the Jets all-time.
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