We are treated to two Monday Night Football games tonight and that means double the betting fun. The New Orleans Saints travel to take on the Carolina Panthers, while the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns.
Monday Night Football
Saints at -3 (-112) -159 ML Over 39.5 -110
Panthers +3 (-109) +140 Under 39.5 -110
Browns at -2.5 (-110) -141 ML Over 38 -113
Steelers +2.5 (-110) +123 Under 38 -108
Odds courtesy of BetRivers
Even though it is only the second week of the 2023 season, we have already learned a lot from all four teams. That should give us a slight edge in handicapping these games. Check out my tips for what to bet on for both of these contests.
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Panthers Should Bounce Back at Home
Saints quarterback Derek Carr looked pretty good in his debut for New Orleans, but laying three points on the road seems like a stretch. I know the Panthers are rebuilding and are coming off a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but still there is something here that makes me think this line is off a bit.
Carr is going to face a Panthers defense that is a bit better than their last opponent, the Tennessee Titans. Carolina had four sacks last week and Carr might be getting chased out of the pocket all night. He is not the most mobile QB, so he may struggle.
The biggest issue with New Orleans’ offense was their inability to score in the red zone. They converted just once in four times past the 20-yard-line and can’t have those type of difficulties on Monday.
They might get bailed out, however, because Carolina’s offense is so bad. Bryce Young, the overall No. 1 pick, had an awful game against the Falcons. He was 20 of 38 passing with a touchdown and two interceptions.
I am going to claim first-game jitters for Young, who should bounce back in front of the home crowd. So, I’ll take the points and the Panthers.
As far as prop bets go one I really like is New Orleans running back Jamaal Williams to go over 55.5 yards at -115 at BetMGM. With Alvin Kamara still out and Kendre Miller questionable for the game, the bulk of the rushing should fall on Williams. Even if Miller plays, I feel pretty confident that Williams will hit the over.
Panthers +3 over Saints (-110 at BetMGM)
Jamaal Williams Over 55.5 rushing yards (-115 at BetMGM)
Watch: Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET ESPN or fuboTV
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Browns Roll Over Steelers
The Browns were a bit of a surprise last week in how they manhandled the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals were supposed to be the favorite to win the NFC North, but Cleveland exposed many issues Cincinnati has.
They look to do the same to Pittsburgh, who lost last week and are trying to avoid an 0-2 start. If they are to do that, they need a much better game from QB Kenny Pickett. He was sacked five times last week in the San Francisco 49ers loss. Pickett also threw two interceptions.
Cleveland has concerns with its signal caller as well. Deshaun Watson was less than glowing in the team’s victory over the Bengals. He completed 16-of-29 passes for only 154 yards (5.3 yards per attempt).
But look for Watson to bounce back, especially against the Steelers defense, who gave up 220 yards passing. With Caesars line down to two, I’ll gladly give up those points at take the road favorite.
A prop bet I really like is Watson to exploit the Steelers’ run defense. The Over on his rushing yards is 25.5 at -115 at Caesars. The last time Watson faced the Steelers, he got 44 yards on the ground.
Browns -2 over Steelers (-110 at Caesars)
DeShaun Watson Over 25.5 yards rushing (-115 at Caesars)
Watch: Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET ABC or fuboTV
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