The NFL season opens Thursday night when the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos. The game is scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on NBC. Currently the NFL Odds for the game have the Panthers favored by a field goal to pick up the win on the road.

NFL Odds
Carolina -3
Total: 41.5 points

What a way to open the NFL regular season. This contest is the first opening Super Bowl rematch since 1970 and Denver gets a chance to play at home to open the year.

It looks like youngster Trevor Siemian is going to be the starter for the Broncos in the opener here, Paxton Lynch is the guy in waiting as Mark Sanchez was released recently.

With the strong defense and Denver’s ability to run the football, Siemian just has to keep this thing moving forward and not blow it up. Denver can win the low-scoring games and without turning it over, Siemian and the Broncos should have the chances necessary to make things happen. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are still stars at wide receiver, but will be challenged here against a strong Carolina defense.

Cam Newton and the Panthers will be looking to get back to the Super Bowl again this season. Carolina lost just one regular season game a year ago and they return this season loaded on both sides of the football again.

Ron Rivera has an excellent defense even with Josh Norman leaving town, playing against a young guy in Siemian could have some advantages for Carolina.

This game looks like a lower-scoring affair because of two strong defenses. The edge goes to Newton and the Panthers because of Siemian’s lack of game experience.

Free Pick: Carolina

Free Picks: Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos (NFL Kickoff Betting)

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