Week 2 San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers

San Francisco 49ers (1–0) vs. Carolina Panthers (0–1)

The San Francisco 49ers get a tough road game against last year’s NFC Conference Champions, the Carolina Panthers.

Key Factors

Run Defense — The 49ers did an excellent job defending the run last week. They now get a difficult assignment with dual-threat Cam Newton. Newton is probably the only quarterback in the NFL that executes designed counter runs…his 6'5", 245 lb. frame essentially makes him a running back. The Panthers do an excellent job implementing a variety of zone, counter, and misdirections in the run game between Newton and their running backs. Between DL Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Quinton Dial, San Francisco’s defense needs to push the LOS.

Triple-Threat Receivers — Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, and Greg Olsen are all 6'5" targets that can manhandle secondaries. I’ll be intrigued to see how they scheme up their coverages when you consider starting cornerbacks Tremaine Brock and Jimmie Ward are 5'10" and 5'11" respectively. They might integrate some taller reinforcements such as rookie Reshard Robinson (6'1"), Jaquiski Tart (6'1"), and Dontae Johnson (6'2") in certain packages.

Passing Offense — Let’s be honest, the 49ers’ offense was hard to watch despite their 28–0 shutout last week. The offense will rely on Carlos Hyde as the focal point but still need a respectable passing game. Blaine Gabbert was decent but misfired on several throws; the Panthers feature rookie cornerbacks James Bradberry and Daryl Worley in the secondary which could provide some opportunity for the 49ers receivers — if Gabbert can deliver it to them.

Overall Thoughts

The 49ers are nearly two-touchdown underdogs because the national audience believes last week’s shutout was a fluke. While the Panthers certainly outclass them , how they compete on Sunday will go a long way for this young defense. I expect them to compete early but eventually fall off in the later stages of the game.

49ers +13.5, Under 45

49ers 13 Panthers 24

JTW ATS Record: 2–1–0

2015 JTW ATS Record: 29–23–2