To say that the past couple of years have been tough for the Carolina Panthers would be an understatement.
The Panthers have struggled mightily since the Ron Rivera era.
Fortunately for them, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
They’ve looked much better over the past month or so, and even though they keep losing, there are evident signs of improvement.
That’s why oddsmakers are favoring them for the first time in two years.
As reported by ProFootballTalk, the Panthers are one-point or 1.5-point favorites ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
Panthers are favored over Cowboys, Carolina's first game as a favorite in two years. https://t.co/3rWuaeRKk7
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 10, 2024
The last time they were favored, they were 2.5-point favorites against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 18, 2022, but they ultimately lost that game.
Per ProFootballTalk, the Panthers haven’t covered a spread as a favorite in almost four seasons.
They haven’t done that since September 23, 2021, when they beat the Houston Texans 24-9 as nine-point favorites.
It took them longer than expected, but Dave Canales is making his mark in Carolina.
Bryce Young has looked much better since he got his starting job back after Andy Dalton was benched.
Perhaps he needed more reps, or maybe it had something to do with confidence.
Whatever the case, the former No. 1 pick has finally looked like a legitimate NFL-caliber quarterback.
The Panthers have kept it close against some good teams lately, and given how much the Cowboys have struggled this season, they might finally win another game.
NEXT: Bryce Young's Performance On Sunday Had Fans Talking
