Raiders vs. Panthers Predictions, Picks, Betting Tips 9/13/20

Game: Las Vegas Raiders at Carolina Panthers

Date: 1 p.m., Sunday, September 13, 2020

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

TV: CBS

Odds/Point Spread: Carolina +1.0

Total/Over-Under: 47.0

The warped nature of the NFL offseason has robbed both Las Vegas and Carolina from the excitement and momentum that they were supposed to be building.

For the Raiders, their move to Sin City and the unveiling of their new stadium was supposed to be a landmark moment in NFL history. For the Panthers, replacing Ron Rivera and Cam Newton after nine years with Matt Rhule and Teddy Bridgewater, respectively, was supposed to be a cathartic, hopeful exercise.

The serious, life-and-death matters surrounding the coronavirus pandemic have engulfed what should have been landmark moments for both franchises. But those landmarks will be reached regardless. And several of these storylines will come to a head when these two changing franchises meet up for their Week 1 duel.

The Raiders are entering Year 3 of the Jon Gruden Experiment. Their fans and backers are looking for some return on investment after two seasons of rebuilding. The Raiders improved their record from 4-12 in 2018 to 7-9 last year. But they managed only a modest increase in scoring differential (-177 to -109), which means they still have a lot of ground to make up if they want to find relevance in the AFC West.

In an attempt to build even more buzz for their move to Vegas, the Raiders have spent most of the offseason adding pieces through free agency and the draft. The result is the most complete roster that the Raiders have fielded in years. And that should lead to a more competitive, successful team.

Carolina, on the other hand, has seen its growth stunted this offseason. They’ve had a massive roster turnover and a drain of talent, experience and leadership via free agency and retirement. The players that are returning, as well as the recent additions, will be met by a new quarterback, a new coaching staff and new schemes on both sides of the ball.

I think that the lack of chemistry, cohesion and familiarity is going to be a big hurdle for the Panthers to overcome. That gives the Raiders a huge advantage in this matchup. Or at least balances out the fact that Las Vegas has to travel east and play in a dreaded 10 a.m. PST kickoff.

Las Vegas has its own issues. They still have a below-average receiving corps, and they could get caught looking ahead to the unveiling of their new stadium on Monday Night Football in Week 2. But I think whatever their issues are pale in comparison to what Carolina is going to be dealing with. It is going to take a while for everything to click for the Panthers, if they click at all. This team is starting from square one, and I think things will be a little chaotic and sloppy early in the season.

The Raiders should take advantage and they should get this win.

Who will win the Raiders/Panthers NFL game against the spread?

Robert Ferringo’s Pick: Take Las Vegas -1.0 and ‘Under’ 47.0.

NOTE: Robert made these picks and predictions in May. Things can and will change in the four months between May and September. These May predictions may or may not match his rated Week 1 picks released to his clients on Thursday, Sept. 10.

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