NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Carolina Panthers vs New England Patriots Week 4 Betting Preview
The Carolina Panthers head to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots in a Week 4 clash between 1–2 teams searching for identity. Both franchises are coming off very different performances — the Panthers demolished Atlanta 30–0, while New England stumbled in a 21–14 home loss to Pittsburgh.
Your Premium Feed of Profitable Picks
Predict like a pro for only $9
For Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye, this one carries added weight. He grew up in Charlotte rooting for Cam Newton and now faces his hometown team. Through three games, Maye is averaging 261.7 yards per game with five TDs but has been sacked 12 times behind a shaky offensive line. Carolina coach Dave Canales praised him, saying, “He has got some special throws in him.”
The Panthers are energized after their shutout of the Falcons, and coach Canales noted, “There’s a level of confidence to show the guys the work works.” That newfound swagger meets a Patriots team still figuring out who they are under Mike Vrabel. Recent NFL game results show both clubs alternating between promising stretches and costly mistakes.
Line Movement and Odds
- Moneyline: Panthers +198, Patriots -241
- Spread: Patriots -5.5 (-110), Panthers +5.5 (-110)
- Total: Over/Under 43.5 (-111 / -110)
Oddsmakers opened New England as a touchdown favorite, but early sharp money has trimmed the line to -5.5. Public tickets are leaning toward the Patriots at home, while some sharper plays are coming in on Carolina plus the points. The total has hovered around 43.5 with light action to the under.
“Turnovers are the No. 1 thing in this league that will get you beat.” — Patriots TE Hunter Henry
Want expert picks for every NFL matchup? See our betting blog →
Matchup Breakdown
Carolina Outlook
The Panthers’ defense stole the show last week, intercepting Atlanta twice and pitching a rare shutout. Bryce Young remains a game manager for now (603 yards, 2 TDs in 3 games), but RB Chuba Hubbard has been steady, leading the ground game with 168 yards. Injuries to WRs Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette could limit the passing attack. If the defense forces Maye into mistakes and Hubbard establishes balance, Carolina can pull off the upset.
New England Outlook
Drake Maye continues to flash big-time arm talent but needs more help from his line and run game. Hunter Henry has been his go-to target, with two TDs last week, while Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte round out the passing options. The Patriots defense is stopping the run at an elite level (all three opponents under 65 yards), but the lack of sacks is concerning. If they generate pressure on Young while avoiding turnovers, New England should control this game.
Key Battle
Patriots’ front seven vs. Carolina’s O-line. New England has smothered the run, but can they rattle Bryce Young into mistakes? Conversely, Carolina’s secondary against Maye — who has five TDs but already two picks — could decide whether the Patriots cover or this stays close.
Injuries and Conditions
| Panthers | Patriots |
|---|---|
| • WR Tetairoa McMillan (calf) questionable | • CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) questionable |
| • WR Xavier Legette (hamstring) DNP | • No sacks recorded last week |
| • LB D.J. Wonnum (hip) DNP | • Drake Maye has been sacked 12 times |
Weather: Moderate rain and mild temperatures expected at Gillette Stadium. Slippery conditions could slow down passing efficiency.
Best Bets and Prediction
This game could be closer than oddsmakers project. Carolina’s defense is opportunistic, and New England’s offense has been mistake-prone, with five turnovers last week. The Patriots’ run-stopping unit will force Young to beat them through the air, but the Panthers’ confidence after a 30–0 win makes them dangerous.
- Pick: Panthers +5.5 (-110)
- Projected Score: Patriots 21, Panthers 19
- Reasoning: Carolina’s defense keeps it close, but Maye and Henry make enough plays late.
- Lean: Under 43.5 — weather, turnovers, and conservative play-calling should keep scoring modest.
- Market Split: 61% tickets Patriots, 55% money Panthers.
Want more NFL Week 4 betting breakdowns? Check all previews here →
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Panthers +5.5 (-110) |
| Confidence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Projected Score | Patriots 21, Panthers 19 |
| Total Lean | Under 43.5 |
| Market Split | 61% tickets Patriots, 55% money Panthers |
Handicappers and Picks
NFL games in the rain often create betting edges that the public overlooks. That’s why our Leaderboard is crucial — it tracks which experts are excelling with sides and totals in weather-impacted games. For stronger conviction, you can grab premium selections in Service Plays.
Daily free picks, props, and ATS leans are always available in our NFL Picks hub. If you’re serious about building discipline, the Bettors Handbook covers bankroll management and how to spot value when line movement and conditions clash.
Stay sharp in Foxborough. Bet smart with SAS.
