PHI-CAR Free Picks

Charlotte, NC - The Philadelphia Eagles have the Super Bowl on their minds as they enter the opening week of the 2009 NFL season. They’ll get a big first test when they travel to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers.

Bet NFL Week 1

The Eagles loaded their roster with talent this offseason after acquiring Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters from the Bills, selecting Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy in April’s draft, and signing free agents Stacy Andrews and Michael Vick.

The Panthers stayed pat, outside of selecting pass-rush specialist Everrette Brown in the second round of the draft. Carolina will rely on its running game to carry it again this year, led by tailback DeAngelo Williams.

Oddsmakers from online sports book Sports Interaction have made the Panthers 3-point home underdogs against the Eagles. The over/under total for this game has been established at 43.5.

This one looks too good to be true for bettors backing the Eagles. Philadelphia is a team many believe will contend for the Super Bowl, while Carolina is a team that many believe will take a step back after winning the NFC South.

But don’t forget that the Panthers were 8-0 at home in the regular season last year, with only one ATS loss. The Eagles also lost middle linebacker Stewart Bradley for the season when he suffered an injury in practice, so it’ll be interesting to see how Philly’s front seven will fair against a tough ground game.

This is a three-point game either way, and we feel confident in taking home underdogs. Carolina’s defense is pretty strong on a whole, but Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are still going to put points on the board. That said, we also favor the over, although we advise that the Panthers are our stronger pick.

Our NFL Week 1 Free Picks for this matchup are: CAROLINA PANTHERS +3 and OVER 43.5.

Eagles at Panthers Current Odds

Philadelphia Eagles –3 Over 43.5 Moneyline -105

Carolina Panthers +3 Under 43.5 Moneyline -115

NFL Week 1 Betting Trends

Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Carolina is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

NFL Week 1 Injury Report

Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Vick, QB, Out Until Week 3 (suspension)

Shawn Andrews, T, Out Week 1 (back)

Todd Herremans, G, Out Week 1 (foot)

Joe Mays, LB, Out Week 1 (shoulder)

Nick Cole, C, Probable Week 1 (knee)

Kevin Curtis, WR, Probable Week 1 (knee)

King Dunlap, T, Probable Week 1 (elbow)

Moise Fokou, LB, Probable Week 1 (shoulder)

Darren Howard, DE, Probable Week 1 (groin)

Winston Justice, T, Probable Week 1 (shoulder)

Dimitri Patterson, CB, Probable Week 1 (ankle)

Mike Patterson, DT, Probable Week 1 (ankle)

Leonard Weaver, RB, Probable Week 1 (knee)

Brian Westbrook, RB, Probable Week 1 (knee)

Tracy White, LB, Probable Week 1 (rib)

Carolina Panthers

Chris Harris, S, Questionable Week 1 (knee)

Sherrod Martin, CB, Questionable Week 1 (knee)

Bet NFL Week 1

Posted: 9/13/09 7:30AM ET