Oddsmakers are expecting long NFL seasons in New England and Carolina.
The Patriots and Panthers are listed as underdogs in each of their 17 games next season at DraftKings Sportsbook. By contrast, the San Francisco 49ers are favored in all 17 games.
It's not hard to see why the sportsbooks are down on either team.
The Patriots are heading into their first season this century without Bill Belichick as coach, but they're still dealing with the misfirings of Belichick as a general manager. They have one of the NFL's worst skill-position groups and a shaky offensive line in front of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who may be sitting in favor of Jacoby Brissett simply for his long-term health.