On the Line: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Panthers -3 and 42 O/U

Carolina hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in a prime-time matchup Sunday evening.  Coming off the hottest start since 2008, the Panthers look to move to 3-0 against a struggling Steeler team which just suffered an embarrassing defeat by the Baltimore Ravens.  A victory Sunday for Carolina could garner the national attention so many fans have clamored for and make for the first 3-0 start since 2003.  So what’s really on the line in Bank of America Stadium this weekend.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3  (Taking the Under 42)

This line is just a slap in the face. Carolina has done nothing but outperform expectations in the first two games. Sure, Tampa Bay stinks, but the Detroit Lions weren’t any slouch. The Steelers, who looked terrible last Thursday, barely squeaked out a win versus the Cleveland Browns in week one. I’m sorry, but I’m just not a believer in the Browns yet. Add to this a Steelers team that is has allowed 172 yds/game rushing and 5 yards a carry, and I just can’t see this swiss cheese defense stopping anyone, even if the Panthers backfield is banged up.  The Panthers defense by the way is boss.  A banged up Big Ben, helming a turnover prone offense likely has Carolina salivating as we speak.  I’m knocking guys out of the way to take Carolina giving the points and the under.  This could easily turn into a blowout, but I don’t foresee Carolina giving up more than 10 points.  I'm knocking people out of my way to get to the betting window to take Carolina giving the points....give me the under too.  24-10 Carolina

Commish’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3 (Under 42)

I think I’ll surprise everyone this time by NOT being verbose. Panthers by 3? At home? That’s it? We give up 7 points to Stafford and Megatron last week and the over/under is 42?? Vegas generally gives home field advantage as 3 points for most teams, so in essence they’re saying Pittsburgh and Carolina are equivalent. Don’t be silly. And don’t drink and bet. 24-13 Carolina

Mel Mayock Bet Carolina -3 (taking the over 42)

Is this a trap game?  Being ranked 3rd in the Power Rankings and playing on a national-stage would ordinarily make me say the Panthers will lay an egg.  But the best thing about the Panthers (ever since we fired boring Ron Rivera and hired Riverboat Ron in Week 3 of last year) is that we do not fall prey to such things.  We no longer seem to fall apart at the first sign of adversity.  We now tend to make plays and control our own destiny.  Yes, the Steelers are not without their playmakers and the could beat us if we take them lightly.  We must slow down Bell and keep Brown from getting deep, but I fully anticipate a 10+ point victory Sunday night. 27-17 Carolina

Justin Raymond’s Bet: Carolina Panthers -3 (Taking the under 42)

Everyone likes a shutout and that almost happened Thursday night when the Atlanta Falcons played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the Carolina Panthers could have one shutout this season, this could be that game. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has disappeared and the Panthers defense already made the Lions offense vanish into thin air. I am going to make a crazy prediction and say that the Panthers will dominate the Steelers on Sunday. 20-0 Carolina