The Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots open their preseasons Thursday. Kickoff from Gillete Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Panthers vs. Patriots odds, and'make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Panthers finished a measly 2-15 last season for the worst record in not just the NFC South, but the entire NFL. To improve, Carolina added DE Jadeveon Clowney'on defense and WR'Diontae Johnson'on the offensive side of the ball. Since its No. 1 overall pick went to the Chicago Bears this year — part of a deal that helped it land QB Bryce Young in 2023 — Carolina selected WR Xavier Legette at No. 32 with its 1st pick in the 2024 draft.
New England also finished at the bottom of its conference, with a 4-13 record last season. While the Patriots didn’t make many offseason headlines for acquisitions, they parted ways with 6-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick, as well as QB Mac Jones, who was traded to Jacksonville. The Patriots added QB Drake Maye'with the 3rd overall pick in the draft.
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