The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2025 NFL season with cautious optimism following a season that showed signs of progress. After finishing with a dismal 2-15 record in 2023, the Panthers improved to 5-12 in 2024.
A key factor in this improvement was the development of quarterback Bryce Young under the guidance of head coach Dave Canales, particularly during the latter half of the 2024 season. While a Super Bowl run might be considered a long shot at +10000 odds on FanDuel, several futures bets present intriguing value as the Panthers aim to continue their upward trajectory.
Carolina Panthers Best Futures Bets
Panthers Win Total: Over 6.5 Wins
This wager is among the most popular and potentially reliable futures bets for the Panthers. Most sportsbooks have set the team’s over/under win total at 6.5, with the “over” being favored at -125 odds on FanDuel.
Young’s performance in the latter half of the 2024 season showcased significant improvement after an early benching. Upon returning as the starter in Week 8, he led the Panthers to four wins in their final nine games, while also posting a 61.76 completion percentage, 2104 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions in his last 10 games.
The addition of first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and a bolstered offensive line are expected to further aid Young’s development and contribute to an improved offensive output. The Panthers’ offensive line returns all five starters, providing continuity.
Furthermore, the Panthers benefit from one of the easier schedules in the league. Their opponents’ combined winning percentage in 2024 ranked 27th, and they are tied for the fifth-easiest schedule overall. They also face a particularly favorable start, with seven straight games against teams that did not make the playoffs in 2024. Considering Young’s continued development, the strengthened offense, and the manageable schedule, betting on the Panthers to exceed 6.5 wins is a good bet to consider.
Panthers to Win the NFC South
If you’re looking to try something on the riskier side instead, the NFC South division is not considered a dominant force. The Panthers’ late-season momentum in 2024, coupled with offseason additions, could position them as contenders.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have topped the division for the past four seasons, but haven’t consistently achieved double-digit wins. As of August 18, the Panthers have +410 odds to win the NFC South. The Buccaneers are favored, as they should be, but the Atlanta Falcons and Panthers both have the potential to surpass them, so taking a shot at the upset is worth it.
Longshot: Dave Canales to Win Coach of the Year
This bet offers a higher risk, but also the potential for a substantial reward. Canales, entering his second season as head coach, is recognized for his ability to develop quarterbacks, as evidenced by his work with Young in 2024.
If the Panthers significantly outperform expectations this season, driven by Young’s continued improvement and the team’s overall performance, Canales could emerge as a dark horse candidate for Coach of the Year, with odds as high as +1600. Canales’ odds are also better than coaches like Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin, and Andy Reid, depending on your sportsbook.
Top Player Prop: Bryce Young Over 3200.5 Passing Yards
For those interested in player-specific bets, Young’s performance presents some intriguing options. His regular season passing yards over/under is set at 3200.5 yards. Given his average of 210.4 passing yards per game in his final 10 games last season, and the added receiving talent in McMillan, surpassing this total seems achievable.
Young would need to play 16 games averaging his 2024 late-season numbers to exceed this total, and an increase to 250 yards per game would allow him to reach it in just 13 games. His passing touchdowns over/under is set at 18.5. While this is a slight increase from his 15 touchdowns in 2024, the added talent at receiver suggests a positive outlook for the over on this bet as well.
Conclusion
The Panthers’ 2025 season is poised to be a significant one, particularly for Young’s development and the team’s overall trajectory. While a Super Bowl victory is extremely unlikely, the futures market offers several compelling betting opportunities.
The more conservative bet appears to be the Panthers exceeding their projected win total of 6.5. For those willing to accept more risk for potentially greater rewards, betting on the Panthers to win the NFC South or on Canales to win Coach of the Year presents attractive options.
Finally, confident bettors can explore various player props on Young, especially the over on his passing yards, given the added offensive talent and his improving performance. As the season progresses, closely monitoring the Panthers’ progress during training camp and preseason will be essential for refining betting strategies.
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