Panthers vs. Texans 2021 odds: Carolina opens as clear favorites in Week 3

Feels good, doesn’t it, Carolina Panthers fans?

Your team is now 2-0, they’re coming off a straight beatdown of your division rival New Orleans Saints and, oh, look at this . . . they’re favored by a whole touchdown this week! Who would’ve thought?

Well, Tipico Sportsbook now thinks so, as their initial odds have set the Panthers as a 7.5-point favorite in their Week 3 matchup with the Houston Texans. And if you’re going to put some action down, be mindful this is a quick turnaround into a Thursday night primetime showcase.

Carolina, again, is coming off two straight wins to start the 2021 campaign. Their white-hot defense has stymied the Saints and the New York Jets, as they currently lead the NFL in fewest points allowed per game (10.5), fewest yards allowed per game (190.0) and sacks (10).

Houston, although not as hot, has turned in a pair of relatively respectable performances. They took care of the Jacksonville Jaguars back in Week 1, 37-21, and stuck close to an AFC favorite in the Cleveland Browns this past Sunday in a 31-21 loss.

They will, however, be without starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who had carried the offense having completed 31 of his 44 throws for 416 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Texans will, in his place, go with rookie Davis Mills.

If the first two weeks of this suffocating Panthers defense are any indication, the rook could have a long night ahead of him in his first career start.