NFL fans aren’t the only ones who circle games as soon as the schedule is released. Players do it, bettors certainly do it, and most importantly – NFL head coaches do it. Some mark it with a pencil, others use color codes to weigh importance, and then there’s Frank Reich. The Colts not only fired Reich, but also replaced him with one of the most underqualified people to ever coach, in Jeff Saturday. Revenge isn’t the only factor as teams need to be talented and well-coached enough to overcome the odds. Let’s head to Charlotte and run over our top NFL upset and underdog pick for Week 9!
NFL Upset & Underdog Pick: Week 9
Colts-Panthers Odds
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Colts: -150 | Panthers: +135
Colts -3.0: -110 | Panthers +3.0: -110
Over 44.0: -110 | Under 44.0: -110
Colts-Panthers Upset Pick
This game features more than just a revenge narrative but it’s not one to be swept under any rug. There’s something about wanting to play – or simply perform – for a boss, especially if that boss is well liked or controls personnel. Plenty of players inside that Panthers locker room are aware of what this victory means for their head coach, some of them have been in similar situations where fellow players or coaches have done the same. It’s a real thing in the NFL and always helps the underdog.
There’s also a reason why good backup QBs most often stay backup QBs, as is the case now with Gardner Minshew. The Colts just dropped their third straight game but at least they are scoring points, right? Wrong. While the scoreboard reflects a team putting up points, it doesn’t illustrate how self-destructive turnovers are, especially for the Colts. He’s thrown a pick in each of the last three games, including a 3-pick disaster against the Browns. Minshew mania is basically the feeling of agita experienced by Shane Steichen after each interception. The counter here is how little Carolina turns over their opponent, but they aren’t making mistakes – just not capitalizing on the other team. The Colts are still the worse spot as it will be harder for them to change their stripes in a week, albeit against a good Panthers defense.
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The Panthers are coming off their first win of the year which is also Bryce Young’s first of his career. The Panthers found new life after beating an upstart Texans team, while the Colts are looking for answers after dropping another shootout. Just slowing the game down or the score being significantly lower doesn’t change outcomes for bad teams; they make mistakes it’s just a matter of how many. Sift through the narratives, turn down the talking heads, and skim through the nonsense – what do you find? The most important piece in all of this is how Young immediately benefitted from a switch in play calling. Reich chose to do this during the bye week, giving the team more time to adjust while showing humility in handing duties over to Thomas Brown. There’s zero doubt this squad is playing for their coach, both of them.
NFL Upset Pick for Week 9: Panthers +135 (Caesars Sportsbook)
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