One of the best teams in the NFC South Division over the last few years has been the Carolina Panthers. In fact, theyve been one of the best teams in the entire NFL, a squad that goes to the playoffs almost every season.

The teams strength is, and has been, its defense. However, the Panthers can score points, too. In a competitive division that also includes teams like Tampa Bay, New Orleans and the resurgent Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina entry knows it cant get by strictly on the back of its stout defense. Thats why team management has made every effort to improve and upgrade the offense.

To date, it hasnt been a smashing success. Yes, the Panthers can score points, generally enough to win a game, especially with their defense, but theyre not exactly the 2007-2008 New England Patriots.

In other words, Carolina doesnt blow teams away with endless trips to the end zone , it just doesnt happen that way for them. They can score enough to beat an opponent , they can even score enough to cover a point spread, but this team is, by no means, an offensive juggernaut.

Perhaps that fact and a defense that played only okay in 2008-2009 is the reason why the Panthers had a somewhat disappointing season. Remember: this team has a history of success , particularly over the last few years. So anything other than a big-time won-loss record , some playoff success , great individual stats from their skill players, receivers like Steve Smith, for example, is kind of a disappointment for the teams fans.

Whats more, when a team like the Panthers doesnt play up to its usual skill and performance level, it drives everybody crazy, the odds makers , the professional handicappers , and most importantly, the loyal betting public. Nobody, and that means none of the people mentioned, knows what the Panthers are about … and if they are worthy of a bet in support of a win … or a bet based on them getting a loss.

It can be a big problem. The NFL is a league whose popularity is based on gambling. Everyone who follows football knows that’s true. So, when there’s a team, like the Panthers, that is a constant riddle to gamblers - week in and week out - it hurts the league a little. Fans, especially those who bet, want certainty … the knowledge that a team will be good or bad - so they can bet for or against accordingly. They don’t want to guess what’s coming on any given Sunday.

It’s difficult enough to bet and win, especially when you have to overcome “the point spread.” So it helps to “have a feel for the team you’re betting on or against“. Right now, the Panthers are not easy to “know.”
As a fan, and a gambler, it may be wise to take the Panthers in most games, investing heavy money at times. It could lead you to a winning season.