The Carolina Panthers come into the 2021 NFL preseason with their heads up high. Despite ending last season with a 5-11 record, the team is looking to bounce back in their second year with coach Matt Rhule. For their first game of the preseason, they head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts will try to better their previous 11-5 record and secure a ticket to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons under coach Frank Reich. This is going to be an interesting matchup that gives us a glimpse into the improvements each team made in the offseason.

That being said, NitroBetting put together a preview of the upcoming Panthers vs. Colts preseason contest. We give you the nitty-gritty details of the event, including the latest NFL odds, betting trends, and expert betting predictions. Don’t forget to check out the latest 2021 NFL Preseason odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts Game Information

• When: Sunday, August 15, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
• TV: CBS, Fox, NBC
• Radio: WBT 1110 AM (Panthers) / 1070 The Fan (Colts)
• Live Stream:NFL Game Pass
• NFL Odds: Carolina Panthers (+102) / Indianapolis Colts (-122)

READ MORE: Chargers vs. Rams 2021 NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds and Preview

Why Bet on the Carolina Panthers?

The overhaul continues as Matt Rhule performs more changes and updates to the team. Sam Darnold takes the place of Teddy Bridgewater in the offseason and gives the quarterback position a fresh look. Rhule hopes to bring Darnold to his full potential after seeing the 24-year-old get selected third overall back in 2018. Now that he has a better support system, we are bound to see improvement in his numbers.

Christian McCaffrey is back in the picture and should have an immediate impact after recovering from injury. In three games last season, he scored six touchdowns, so durability will be crucial for him in 2021. Meanwhile, wide receiver Robby Anderson reconnects with his old QB in Carolina and will play opposite DJ Moore, giving the team a potent 1-2 punch at wideout.

On defense, the tandem of Derrick Brown and Brian Burns can create an effective pass rush for the Panthers. This is what the team lacked in previous years, and the duo promises to bring defensive glory back to the team. The Panthers feature a young secondary, but we see several prospects in the mix. As a team, Carolina averaged 21.9 PPG while allowing 25.1 PPG last season, and we expect more improvement from the team this season.

Why Bet on the Indianapolis Colts?

It was a bright 2020 season for the Colts. However, the team lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, ending their playoffs run. Philip Rivers is off to retirement with Carson Wentz taking over the starting role. Wentz, however, will need time before he makes his Colts debut after going down with an injury in training camp. The newly acquired quarterback reunited with his offensive coordinator from his 2017 all-pro season in Reich.

Protection is a big part of the program this year. After giving up 15 sacks more than the other team, Reich is determined to fortify this part of the team. Jonathan Taylor was once a diamond in the rough. His rookie year with the Colts saw him rushing for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns. Nyheim Hines was also a qualified third-down back. Moreover, the Colts need to finalize their wide receivers, and Michael Pittman Jr. is on pace to take the number one spot in that role.

Looking over the defense, DeForest Buckner and draft additions Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo bring back some of the grit the Colts need. Darius Leonard returns to action at linebacker while Xavier Rhode and Julian Blackmon return in the secondary together with newcomer Shawn Davis. Last year, Indianapolis averaged 28.2 PPG while allowing 22.6 PPG.

Panthers vs. Colts Betting Trends

• The Panthers are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
• The Panthers are 3-2 against the spread in their last 5 games.
• The totals have gone under in 3 of the Panthers’ last 5 games.
• The Colts are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
• The Colts are 2-3 against the spread in their last 5 games.
• The totals have gone over in 3 of the Colts’ last 5 games.

Panthers vs. Colts Expert Betting Predictions

Setting aside the odds, the Colts are still walking on a tightrope here. Health remains a concern for the team, so playing their cards right and working their way up slowly should be a priority. If their guys start to set the tempo, then there’s a good chance we see the Colts bring this one home. However, the Panthers are no pushovers in this game. If they stay as cautious and capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes, covering the spread and a win is never off the table.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Preseason. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.