Carolina Panthers Vs New York Giants: NFL Opening Weekend Las Vegas Line & Pick

One of the early games of the opening NFL weekend will feature the resurgent defense of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers Sunday September 12th. The Carolina Panthers should be a touchdown underdog at kickoff but watch the line as the game approaches.

Eli Manning and the passing game are not the most important factor in this game. The New York Giants front seven on defense will be the most important key to the Giants winning this game. The return of Osi Umenyiora and a better linebacking crew could have the most influence on the outcome of this game.

Carolina Panthers Defense is as Solid as New York Giants Defense

The New York Giants defense will be stronger than last year but don't forget the Carolina Panthers are always stout on defense. The Panthers loss of Julius Peppers will hurt them but Peppers was not their only loss on the defensive line, defensive tackle Damione Lewis was cut and nose tackle Hollis Thomas was allowed to leave through free agency. Carolina will start from scratch on the defensive line and it will be a key in this game.

The New York Giants are looking to get back to their old ways on defense with the return of defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora. Justin Tuck will benefit the most from Umenyiora's return to the starting D Line. On the corners the Giants defense looked anemic in the preseason but they are not concerned at the moment. Edge goes to the New York Giants defense.

Carolina Panthers Running Game May Be Better Than Giants Beleaguered Tandem

The Carolina Panthers running game is solid with DeAngelo Williams as the number one and a hobbled Jonathan Stewart as his back up. Stewart should be fine once the season gets in gear. Williams is a workhorse and he bang out some yards in this game against the New York Giants.

Brandon Jacobs has taken some devastating punishment over the last few seasons and it may be wearing on him. His production is down and he is in need of good change of pace back in the back field. Brandon Jacobs is already disheartened by Ahmad Bradshaw's increased role in the running game but it is essential to save Jacobs for later in the year. Carolina Panthers running game has the edge.

Carolina Panthers Passing Attack May be Better Than the New York Giants in This Game

When New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning takes the field in this game against the Carolina Panthers, he may have the second best passing attack on the field. Matt Moore is not a pushover at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and with a number wide receiver such as Steve Smith on the outside, Moore could have better stats than Manning when the gun goes off in the fourth quarter.

Eli Manning's passing game has been solid but nothing near a top ten quarterback in the NFL. Manning has his own Steve Smith to throw to and the New York Giants Steve Smith is the number one receiver. Look for Eli to battle with Matt Moore tooth and nail in this game but neither quarterback will have the edge in this game.

Final Look and Pick Against the Las Vegas Spread for Carolina Panthers vs New York Giants -7

The New York Giants are a solid touchdown favorite for this game and they deserve it based on the evaluations of the offense and the defense. The final kicker that puts the New York Giants over the top as a favorite in this game is the defensive lines. The New York Giants defensive line will allow rushing yardage but the Giants line will not allow Matt Moore much time in the pocket.

The New York Giants are 20-1 to win the Super Bowl before the season starts and the Carolina Panthers are not that far back at 35-1 to win the Super Bowl. The New York Giants may not win more than nine games this season but games against teams like the Carolina Panthers will make them look like a better team than they are. Bottom line, don't be influenced in Week Two of the NFL season by what happens in this game. Take the New York Giants -7 to cover the spread and win by 10 points over the Carolina Panthers.

sources:

Las Vegas Hilton Superbook Week One Betting Lines
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.lvhilton.com
www.profootballtalk.com