49ers vs. Panthers: Red-hot prop bets to explore for Week 5
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers enter their Week 5 road matchup against the Panthers as notable betting favorites, but these prop bets might be worth targeting.
If the San Francisco 49ers weren’t coming off a short week, having to play on Monday Night Football in Week 4, they’d likely be favored a bit more than by 6.5 points over the 1-3 Carolina Panthers, according to the oddsmakers at WynnBET.
Additionally, the Niners having to travel across the country on this short week probably factored into that equation.
With a relatively steady spread, San Francisco is still a significant favorite regardless, and it’s not hard to see a top-ranked 49ers defense completely shut down a Carolina offense that ranks dead last in a number of key offensive categories.
Banking on the Niners both winning outright and covering the spread certainly seems intriguing, but let’s take a look at some other prop bets that are of note.
49ers vs. Panthers prop bet No. 1: Carolina total touchdowns under 0.5 (+500)
Last Monday, San Francisco kept a still-potent Rams offense out of the end zone entirely, giving up just nine points on three field goals.
While both the short week and travel, along with the inevitability of opponents scoring a touchdown, banking on the 49ers to keep the Panthers out of the end zone might be a bit risky. But, at +500, it’s nevertheless an enticing bet.
The Niners are currently allowing an average of 1.3 touchdowns per game, and a Carolina offense that ranks 28th in points per drive with an average of 1.47 surely feeds into the real possibility this prop bet would pay out if San Francisco continues its no-touchdowns-allowed streak.
49ers vs. Panthers prop bet No. 2: Baker Mayfield tosses two-plus INTs (+280)
Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield has thrown three interceptions on the season, and while his 2.9 interception percentage is up there among league leaders, it’s not in that wholly dangerous category yet.
However, coming off a two-interception game in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, a team like the 49ers could continue to spoil Mayfield’s first year in Carolina by adding yet another two-pick game.
Read More: 49ers defense should feast on struggling Panthers
Especially if the Niners’ vaunted pass rush gets home and forces errant throws.
One-plus interception is the favorite betting choice at -179, but hitting that two-plus picks is worth looking at.
49ers vs. Panthers prop bet No. 3: First Niners TD scorer — Jauan Jennings (+1200)
Third-year wide receiver Jauan Jennings has yet to find the end zone this season after emerging as one of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s favorite red-zone targets a year ago (and one of wide receiver Deebo Samuel‘s favorite pass-catching targets, too).
A year after five of Jennings’ 24 receptions during the regular season went for touchdowns, it’s probably safe to say San Francisco’s No. 3 receiver is due.
Interestingly enough, and despite their challenges in 2022, the Panthers do own a top-10 pass defense with opponents averaging just 5.8 yards per pass play. And it’s probably safe to assume they’ll do their best to clamp down on Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle as best as they can, leading to Jennings being a possible go-to option.
Samuel and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. are the favorites to score first for the 49ers at +280, while Kittle is +525 and Aiyuk is +600.
However, with Jennings paying out at a nice +1200 if he’s the guy, it might be a well-rewarding bet to make for Sunday.
The Niners and Panthers kick off on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.