Carolina Panthers OVER 9 Wins +105

Many of the high expectations for the Panthers last year went right out the window early on but it was largely due to the significant injuries that hit them. The Panthers were dealt season-ending injuries to starters very early last season. That put them in a hole before they could even really get a "fair shake" out of the gate last year! Carolina had to claw their way back just to get to an 8-8 season. With "normal" health this season (their injuries last year were some of the most significant in the NFL) the Panthers will undoubtedly get back on track.

Offensively, the Panthers have a rock solid offensive line that is a cohesive unit and is without question the strength of the offense. Solid offensive line play is key to the Panthers because quarterback Jake Delhomme is certainly not the leagues most mobile QB nor does he have the leagues strongest arm. However, there is no denying that Delhomme is effective when protected. The Panthers also made a great off-season pick-up in David Carr to provide insurance behind Delhomme. The veteran line will also help QB David Carr if he's called upon. The former Texans QB can develop well in Carolina compared to the awful offensive line he was forced to play behind throughout his career in Houston. The offense also added needed depth in the draft by picking up Dwayne Jarrett and Ryan Kalil from USC who have plenty of big game experience as former Trojans.

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The defense certainly held their own last year despite the fact that linebacker Dan Morgan was only able to play for portions of the season. Depth was added there as the Panthers drafted well with LB Jon Beason expected to start immediately and be a solid contributor.

The NFC South division has issues outside of Carolina and that bodes well for a bounce back year for the Panthers. The Buccaneers were 4-12 last season. The Falcons were below .500 and Michael Vick continues to cause off the field distractions. The Saints soared to a 10-6 record last season as we correctly called for in our preseason predictions. However, New Orleans also had a lot of things "fall into place" and certainly won't enjoy the same "magical" season this year. In other words, Carolina should quickly re-establish themselves at the top of the NFC South as we don't see anyone stopping them.

Carolina's schedule does start out tough as they will play four of their first six games on the road. Overall though the Panthers schedule is a rather easy one thanks to their 8-8 finish last year. Also note that tough opponents like Indianapolis, Seattle, and Dallas will all have to face the Panthers in Carolina and that will help the Cats! They have also showed in each of the last two years that they know how to finish up strong in the second half of the season and this will also help them to make a run in 2007.

Keep in mind how much of an impact the injuries had on Carolina last year and yet they still won 8 games! Now this season we're only asking them to win one more game and we don't lose this play. In other words, considering their improved health, a solid draft, and some areas of weakness in the rest of the division, there is fantastic line value in taking Carolina to go over 9 wins. This is especially true at the plus money that is currently being offered on going over with the Panthers!