After the Dallas Cowboys edged the Arizona Cardinals 20-18 in last Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game to push as two-point betting favorites, the Carolina Panthers will kick off Week 1 of the NFL preseason this Wednesday by hosting the Houston Texans as three-point home chalk.

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And Carolina fans and bettors hope to get their first look at electrifying rookie running back Christian McCaffrey in a game situation in the contest.

McCaffrey was drafted eighth overall by the Panthers out of Stanford and might be seen running the wildcat offense at times versus the Texans. Carolina starting quarterback Cam Newton is working his way back from a shoulder injury, so reserves Derek Anderson and Joe Webb should get most of the work under center.