Carolina Panthers Large Favorite (-7.5+) Betting Trend

The Panthers' struggles as large favorites stem from a fundamental mismatch between their defensive identity and the game scripts that heavy favorite status demands. Carolina has historically been built around opportunistic defense and explosive plays rather than methodical offensive execution. When laying significant points, they're forced into a role that requires sustained drives and consistent scoring - areas where their offense has chronically underperformed. The psychological burden of large spreads particularly affects Carolina because their offensive system relies heavily on momentum and field position. Without the urgency that close games provide, their offense becomes predictable and their running game loses effectiveness. The Panthers also have a troubling tendency to play down to competition when heavily favored, often abandoning the aggressive defensive schemes that create their best scoring opportunities. Carolina's coaching staff has shown poor game management in blowout situations, frequently becoming conservative too early and allowing opponents to stay within striking distance. Their special teams units have also been inconsistent, failing to provide the field position advantages that make covering large spreads manageable. This trend carries the most weight when Carolina faces divisional opponents or teams with mobile quarterbacks who can exploit their aggressive defensive tendencies once the game flow slows.