Carolina Panthers favored for first time in 33 games: Can Bryce Young deliver?

Carolina Panthers Favored for the First Time in 33 Games: Can They Deliver Against Dallas?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s been a long time coming, but the Carolina Panthers are finally stepping into unfamiliar territory this Sunday. For the first time since Week 15 of the 2022 season, the Panthers are expected to be the favorites when they host the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, you read that right—favored! This marks the end of a grueling 33-game streak as underdogs, a stretch that has tested the patience of even the most loyal Panthers fans.

According to ESPN BET, the Panthers (3-10) are currently listed as 2-point favorites over the Cowboys (5-8). If this line holds steady, it will be the first time since December 18, 2022, that Carolina has been favored in a game. That last instance came against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when the Panthers were 3-point favorites at home. Unfortunately, that game didn’t go as planned, as Carolina fell to Pittsburgh 24-16. But hey, that was then, and this is now.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s talk about what’s changed. The Panthers have been on a roll lately—at least when it comes to covering the spread. They’ve managed to cover in five straight games, which is currently the longest active streak in the NFL. That’s no small feat, especially for a team that’s been struggling to find its footing all season. Just last Sunday, they closed as massive 13.5-point underdogs against the Philadelphia Eagles and still managed to keep it close in a 22-16 loss.

So, what’s behind this sudden shift? A big part of the credit goes to rookie quarterback Bryce Young. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has been turning heads with his recent performances. Since Week 9, Young’s Total QBR (Quarterback Rating) sits at an impressive 60.0, ranking him 13th in the league. To put that into perspective, he’s currently ahead of some big names like Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Washington’s Jayden Daniels, Denver’s Bo Nix, and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts. Not bad company to be in, right?

The Bryce Young Effect

It’s worth noting just how far Young has come. Early in the season, things weren’t looking so rosy for the rookie. In fact, his Total QBR through the first two games was a league-worst 9.9, which led to him being benched in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. But since reclaiming the starting role, Young has been on a mission to prove himself—and it’s paying off.

Now, the question is whether Young and the Panthers can keep the momentum going. If they manage to not only remain favored but also cover the spread against Dallas, it will mark the first time they’ve done so since September 23, 2021. That game saw Carolina defeat the Houston Texans 24-9 as a 9-point favorite. It’s been over two years since the Panthers have been in this position, and fans are eager to see if they can rise to the occasion.

What’s at Stake?

For the Panthers, this game is about more than just breaking a streak. It’s a chance to show that they’re building something for the future. With a young quarterback finding his rhythm and a team that’s starting to cover spreads consistently, there’s a glimmer of hope in Charlotte. On the flip side, the Cowboys will be looking to spoil the party and keep their own season alive.

Here’s a quick recap of the key points heading into Sunday’s matchup:

• The Panthers are favored for the first time since Week 15 of the 2022 season.
• They’ve been underdogs for 33 straight games—a streak that ends this week.
• Carolina is 3-10 on the season but has covered the spread in five consecutive games.
• Rookie QB Bryce Young has a Total QBR of 60.0 since Week 9, ranking 13th in the NFL.
• The last time the Panthers covered as favorites was on September 23, 2021, against the Texans.

So, will the Panthers finally deliver as favorites? Or will the Cowboys remind them why they’ve been underdogs for so long? One thing’s for sure—this is a game you won’t want to miss.