NFL expert panel overwhelmingly picks Panthers over NY Jets in Week 1

An expert NFL panel overwhelmingly picked the Carolina Panthers over the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

09/03/2021

Zach Wilson, Sam Darnold, NY Jets, Jet X Graphic, Getty Images

9 of 10 experts pick the Panthers over the NY Jets in Week 1

The New York Jets open the NFL season against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 12. Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson will look for a win in a clear-cut revenge game, while Zach Wilson and Robert Saleh try to usher in a new era with a victory.

The NFL has released previews and predictions for this game through its YouTube Channel. To little surprise, the majority of experts on the panel selected the Carolina Panthers to win this game.

The lone vote for the Jets was NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who had New York winning to the score of 24-23.

The video suggested that Sam Darnold should have little issue finding success against New York. The narrator implies, “This should be a defense Darnold can take advantage of through the air.”

The video does boast the NY Jets’ defensive line and makes note that Saleh’s impact on the defense is something to keep an eye on.

It’s noted that Wilson is the player every Jets fan will keep their eye on, but there’s a clear lack of confidence when projecting how his first NFL game will go. It’s also implied the rookie quarterback will struggle thanks to the additions the Panthers have made to their defense.

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This panel picking against the Jets doesn’t come as much of a surprise to fans. The team has been underproductive for years, and at times, has seemed lost.

There’s only one solution to fix that narrative: winning football games. General manager Joe Douglas knows this, as does head coach Robert Saleh and the rest of the team.

We’ll see if they’re able to execute that next Sunday and start the journey that turns general confidence around.