Panthers vs. Texans Betting Pick, Model Prediction: Thursday Night Football’s Sharp Betting Edge

Panthers vs. Texans Odds

*Odds as of Wednesday afternoon

If you had the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans with a 3-1 combined record heading into Week 3's Thursday Night Football matchup, please raise your hand.

OK, if your hand is raised, please look in the mirror and call yourself a liar.

In fact, if it wasn't for an unfortunate Week 2 injury for Tyrod Taylor, it's not inconceivable to think that the Texans could be marching into this game at 2-0, as well.

However, Taylor is now on injured reserve for Houston, meaning rookie Davis Mills will get his first career NFL start.

The perceived difference is a big one between Taylor and Mills, as evidenced by the Panthers vs. Texans lookahead line sitting at Carolina -4 heading into Week 2. That number that's now -8.

Bettors are predictably piling on the Panthers — 80% of Thursday Night Football spread tickets are laying the points — but is Carolina truly the sharp side of this matchup?

Or is there contrarian value there for the taking for those willing to buy back Houston at home?

According to our NFL PRO Report, there's a very nice betting model edge for the Panthers vs. Texans, one that professional bettors have been quietly hitting over the last couple of days.

Panthers vs. Texans Betting Model Prediction