Carolina Panthers vs Tennessee Titans: Prediction, Odds, Depth Charts (11/26/23)

The Carolina Panthers are heading across the state line to face the Tennessee Titans in a cross-conference clash this Sunday (11/26/23). Get Panthers vs. Titans odds, picks and predictions below as our best bet is under 36.5 points

Panthers vs Titans Prediction

The most positive way to spin this matchup is a reminder that it could prove to be very important in terms of shaking out the very top of the 2024 NFL Draft order. Unfortunately for the Panthers, who currently own the NFL’s worst record, it’s not even their own draft position that they’re improving; they’re helping out the Chicago Bears, who sent them the first overall pick last year in exchange for a package that contained Carolina’s first rounder this upcoming spring. That move looks to be paying off for Chicago, but of course the Panthers are looking to make it look worse every week.

As for the Titans, things have gone from bad to worse over the past year or so. Midway through last season, they held a commanding division lead and a 7-3 record, but they finished the campaign by losing seven consecutive games and blowing the division title in a head to head de facto AFC South championship game against the Jaguars.

Now, 10 games into the season, they’re in no danger of another collapse, because they’re already at rock bottom with a 3-7 record. They’re dead last in the South, and just a game ahead of the Patriots for the bottom spot in the AFC. The good news is that unlike the Panthers, they do still have their own first round pick, which would be sixth overall if the draft were today, but if things keep going this way for Tennessee, it could end up being even higher.

With two rookie quarterbacks in this game, simplifying the offense is going to be a priority for both sides, especially as those passers have struggled of late. Bryce Young has had three consecutive outings with a QB passer rating below 70, but he might have a chance for success against a Titans defense that ranks 28th in the NFL in DVOA against the pass. Of course, he didn’t do much against a similarly-grade Bears defense, and Tennessee will be a similarly challenging road environment.

But things could be even worse for Tennessee’s Will Levis. He burst onto the scene with a great debut, but came back to Earth in a big way over the next two games. He was a bit more efficient against the Jaguars last time out, but the Titans were ultimately uncompetitive. He’ll be going up against the strength of this Panthers team; the pass defense, which grades 15th in DVOA, as coordinator Ejiro Evero has done a phenomenal job with a group of unsung players.

Overall, it’s hard to know who will pull this one out; I’d lean towards the Titans at home, but the spread is a bit too much for me given the half-point hook. If either team has offensive success, it will be Tennessee, but they’ll do it at a slow pace, with their ground game. It’s not what it was at Derrick Henry’s dominant peak, but it’s enough to move the ball on a very weak Carolina run defense. In a game that will have slow-moving offense, if any offense at all, we’ll take the under on the total of 36.5, which allows us to hit on some pretty significant numbers.

Panthers vs Titans Prediction: Under 36.5 Points

Panthers vs Titans Best Odds

The Titans are 3.5 point home favorites, or -190 on the moneyline, while the Panthers are +155 to win. As for the total, it’s set at 36.5 with -110 odds for both the over and under.

Panthers vs Titans Key Injuries

Titans quarterback Will Levis is dealing with an ankle injury, but should be good to go, while Carolina corner Jaycee Horn continues to deal with a bad hamstring.

Panthers vs Titans Key Matchups

The Panthers will look to take advantage of a vulnerable Titans pass defense, but will Bryce Young be up to the task? Meanwhile, Tennessee has a clear edge in the rushing game, but how efficient can they be?

Panthers Air Attack vs. Titans Pass Defense

The Panthers are a dismal 31st in passing offense DVOA, but there are definitely some positives to be found. Adam Thielen has had a resurgent year, as he’s served as a go-to target for Young en route to 76 catches and 726 yards already. Unfortunately, the Panthers haven’t helped young enough in terms of protection; they rank 30th in PFF’s pass blocking grades.

Luckily for them, the Titans pass rush isn’t great, ranking just 25th in PFF’s grades and 27th in pressure rate. The coverage group hasn’t been much better, ranking 27th in PFF’s system; Sean Murphy-Bunting has had a nice first season as he’s adjusted to Carolina following a move from Tampa, but he hasn’t had much support.

Titans Run Game vs. Panthers Ground Defense

The Titans rushing offense isn’t what it once was, but they still rank 14th in EPA and 11th in DVOA. Derrick Henry hasn’t been his most explosive self, but he’s rushing for 4.2 yards per carry and Tyjae Spears has been a great change of pace as his average tote has been 5.2 yards. The o-line has been about average in the run blocking arena by PFF’s measure, but ninth in adjusted line yards, a definitive positive.

They should be able to take advantage of a Carolina run defense that ranks dead last in each one of DVOA, EPA, and yards per play. Opponents have run for nearly 1,300 yards against the Panthers, as lineman Derrick Brown and linebacker Frankie Luvu have held things down in the middle of the field, but nobody else has really contributed.

Panthers Depth Chart

QB: Bryce Young
RB1: Miles Sanders
RB2: Chuba Hubbard
LWR: D.J. Chark Jr.
RWR: Adam Thielen
SWR: Jonathan Mingo
TE1: Hayden Hurst

Titans Depth Chart

QB: Will Levis
RB1: Derrick Henry
RB2: Tyjae Spears
LWR: Treylon Burks
RWR: DeAndre Hopkins
SWR: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
TE1: Chigoziem Okonkwo

Best NFL Betting Promo Codes