Week 2 gets underway with a Thursday night divisional showdown in Carolina, as the Panthers host the Buccaneers. As seen on BetQL’s Public Betting Dashboard on Thursday morning, 64 percent of total bets have been placed on the Panthers (-7), as has a whopping 82 percent of the money. To put that into perspective, only one team has had a higher ticket percentage and two have higher money percentages.
However, sometimes it makes sense to bet against the field. This is one of those times, as BetQL’s model likes Tampa Bay in this matchup. Find out why and just how much!
Week 2 DFS Lineups:
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Here are three reasons why taking the Bucs (+7) makes sense:
Cam Newton wasn’t himself In Week 1
In a 30-27 opening-week loss to the Rams, Newton rushed three times for -2 yards, a career-low. Further, it was the first time in his career in which he didn’t complete a pass further than 17 yards. He was visibly frustrated in his postgame press conferenceason. Coach Ron Rivera was very outspoken about the situation after the game and claimed that Newton’s foot injury that he suffered in the preseason wasn't a factor, instead blaming his quarterback’s decision-making.
Remember that Newton had offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder. His performance in Week 1 showed an unwillingness to throw the ball deep down the field or to tuck it and run, both staples of his game throughout his career.
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This could be the Ronald Jones breakout game
The Panthers allowed 166 rushing yards to the Rams in Week 1. Jones led Tampa Bay in carries (13) and rushing yards (75) and outplayed starter Peyton Barber in their season opener. Jones also caught one pass for 18 yards.
Common sense and some coach speak from Bruce Arians has created the perception that Jones could see an increased workload in this contest, and if he does, he has the big-play potential to completely alter a game. Putting Jameis Winston in high-percentage passing situations will be necessary in this contest and beyond. He threw three interceptions last week and two were returned for touchdowns. Establishing a running game with Jones at the helm would create a more balanced attack which would, in turn, make Winston more effective as a passer due to the uncertainty it would create for Carolina’s defense.
Check out more betting numbers and information about the matchup on BetQL!
WEEK 2 NON-PPR FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Tampa Bay’s 3-4 defense could keep McCaffrey in check
Last week, McCaffrey picked up where he left off last season and accounted for 209 scrimmage yards while playing every snap on offense. He scored two touchdowns, rushed 19 times for 128 yards and also recorded 10 catches for 81 more yards.
However, Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles employs a 3-4 scheme that features Ndamukong Suh at nose tackle. He should singlehandedly make an impact and prevent any large runs up the middle. Speedy linebacker Devin White recorded six tackles last week and could be tasked with defending the elusive running back. Regarded as a defensive mastermind, Bowles could get creative when it comes to defending McCaffrey, who is clearly the main threat that Carolina has to offer.
Safety Andrew Adams re-signed with the Bucs this week and recorded three interceptions against Newton and the Panthers last season. His primary assignment in those games was to cover McCaffrey.
“I think one of my assignments against Carolina was to cover McCaffrey,’’ Adams said, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “I think what I could say is you’re going to have to watch basically all his routes. Because if you go out there and you don’t have a clue what that route may be, then you’ve already lost.’’
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They won’t entirely stop him, but if Tampa Bay can limit McCaffrey’s production, they have a strong chance to win the game. The Buccaneers (+7) are the optimal bet in this matchup, even if the public disagrees.