It’s NFL 2016 opening action tonight: Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos 2016.

Carolina vs. Denver game time: 7:30 p.m. central time.

TV channel: NBC 

Odds: Carolina -3; over/under 41.5

Prediction for Carolina vs. Denver (see below): 

The Panthers not only disappointed folks 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 (No. 1 in AP Pro32), who are 1-point favorites.

Here’s why: While Denver’s defense still will approach all-world, the offense 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 (No. 6 AP Pro32) aren’t likely to find the end zone much.

Pick: PANTHERS, 21-16

The Associated Press contributed to this report.