Reigning NFC Champions suffered a loss in Week 1 and are looking to bounce back this time around. 49ers are coming off a win against the Los Angeles Rams and will try to use the momentum. Despite their records, Carolina is a heavy favorite to win this game. But will they?
49ers defense looked good on Monday night, but we need to pump the breaks on praising their D too much as they were going up against horrid Rams offense. Still, their defense is the engine of that team, and Chip Kelly will need to lean on them this season. It’s on the defensive side of the ball where they have their best playmakers. With Kaep not starting, San Francisco’s offense needs to game manage and just try to put a few points up on the board. Their D needs to make the difference.
On the other side, the Carolina Panthers are a well-rounded team. Cam Newton has all of his weapons available to him, and the offense looks good. Even though they lost Josh Norman, their defense is still elite and should be a nightmare for most offenses.
It looks like the 49ers are in for a long day on Sunday. Cam should be able to pass and run against this good 49ers defense. He won’t post monster passing numbers, but expect him to throw for more than 200 yards and to make some big runs as well. On the other hand, Panthers should have no problems with Chip Kelly’s offense. Carlos Hyde will put up a fight, but he alone can’t win this game for the 49ers.
On the other hand, Panthers shouldn’t have any problems with Chip Kelly’s offense. Carlos Hyde will put up a fight, but he alone can’t win this game for the 49ers. And you shouldn’t believe that Blaine Gabbert will win the game for them.
It looks like a Panthers win, and anything besides that will be a huge upset. 49ers will show flashes of brilliance, but Carolina should win by at least two touchdowns. 27:13 Panthers win sounds about right.
