Panthers look for early redemption

EXPECT CAM NEWTON AND CO. TO CONQUER BRONCOS

The Panthers not only disappointed f olks in the Carolinas with their Super Bowl performance in February, they also let down Pro Picks. With a chance for a winning record for the 2015 season, we went with Cam Newton and Co. over the Broncos. So we got run over by Von Miller, too.

Now here we go again: Panthers vs. Broncos to open the 2016 schedule Thursday night. And call us stubborn, stupid or whatever, we’re right back on the Panthers, who are one-point favourites. Here’s why. While Denver’s defence still will approach all-world, the offence is in the hands of an untested second- year quarterback Trevor Siemian. Against Carolina’s solid D featuring as good a set of linebackers as the NFL has, the Broncos aren’t likely to find the end zone much.

Nor will the Panthers, but Cam Newton, last year’s MVP, believes he has a lot to prove after that mediocre Super Bowl. Prove it he will in the kickoff game. Panthers, 21-16

KNOCKOUT LEAGUE TIP MIAMI (+ 7) at SEATTLE

Seahawks looking to avoid slow starts that sometimes plague them. Good chance here. Best bet: Seahawks 24, Dolphins 10 NEW YORK GIANTS (+ 3 ½ ) at DALLAS Someone explain t his Romo- less line to us. Two also- rans from last year, but Giants are improved on D. Upset Special: Giants, 20-13

NEW ENGLAND (+ 5) at ARIZONA

So if Jimmy G goes 4- 0 as Brady’s replacement, does Tom Terrific become a backup?

SAN DIEGO (+ 6 ½ ) at KANSAS City

A healthy Chiefs team will be a tough out all season. But KC isn’t real healthy now. Still ... Chiefs, 26-16

GREEN BAY (- 4 ½ ) at JACKSONVILLE

Lots of folks like the Jaguars’ promise. Packers delay any fulfilment of it.

PITTSBURGH (- 3) at WASHINGTON, MONDAY night

Could be a fun shootout in prime time. Steelers have more weapons. Steelers, 33- 28

BUFFALO (+ 2 ½ ) at BALTIMORE

Rex’s banged- up defence still shows some improvement. Bills, 17-16

TAMPA BAY (+ 3) at ATLANTA

It won’t be Atlantans doing tomahawk chop Sunday, it will be former Seminole Jameis Winston. Buccaneers, 27- 20 CHICAGO (+ 5) at HOUSTON Texans have their QB in Osweiler, but will they have an effective J. J. Watt? Texans, 20-13

OAKLAND (+ 2) at NEW ORLEANS

Big Easy has become too easy a place for visiting teams to win.

CINCINNATI (- 1) at NEW YORK JETS

It’s not a playoff game, so Cincinnati isn’t the Bungles yet. Bengals, 19-16

MINNESOTA (- 3 ½ ) at TENNESSEE

Hill or Bradford? Tempted to take Titans. But Adrian Peterson swings the pick.

DETROIT (+ 5) at INDIANAPOLIS

Not expecting much out of either team this season. Lions, 22- 21

LOS ANGELES (- 2) at SAN FRANCISCO, MONDAY NIGHT

If Rams are to make any noise in first year back in Hollywood, they need big opening scene. Rams, 19-16

CLEVELAND (+ 4) at PHILADELPHIA

A mismatch in the NBA and MLB, but almost a tossup in NFL. 2015 RECORD: Against spread ( 126-126-7). Straight up ( 162-105). Best Bet: 8-10-1 against spread, 11- 8 straight up. Upset special: 9- 9 against spread, 6-12 straight up. Raiders, 30- 27 Pro Picks struggled throughout 2015 with such selections. With a fresh start, the choice is Kansas City. Vikings, 20-17 Patriots, 23- 20 Eagles, 14-13 Packers, 27- 24