Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Predictions and Preview

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Predictions and Preview

It’s a battle of the NFC South in this Week 1 matchup in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bryce Young, the 2023 number one overall draft pick in the NFL Draft is back and looking to improve after a lackluster rookie season. For the Saints, it’s year two of Derek Carr at quarterback. Let’s take a look at the Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints predictions and preview.


Panthers (+4) at Saints (-4) Game Preview

The Panthers are one of two teams (Patriots) who are not projected to be favored in any of their games this season. Carolina is looking to improve after winning just two games last season. The team added some weapons for Bryce Young in wide receiver Dionte Johnson and running back Jonathan Brooks. Brooks however, will not be available this week as he continues to heal from a torn ACL while in college at Texas.

New Orleans comes into the season after just missing the playoffs in 2023 with a final record of 9-8. It’s Dennis Allen’s third season as the head coach, and Derek Carr’s second at quarterback for the Saints. Klint Kubiak joins the coaching staff as the offensive playcaller for the Saints.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Predictions and Preview

Panthers vs Saints Best Bets

Saints(-4)

The Panthers were just 1-5 against NFC South division opponents in 2024. New Orleans has had the Panthers’ number over the last six seasons as the Saints have beaten the Panthers in nine of their last 12 matchups. Carolina was also the worst team against the spread in 2023. Over the past five seasons, they have been the worst team at covering the spread in the league.

The Saints likely won’t be world beaters in 2024, but they seem to have the Panthers number as of late. The Superdome will be rocking for their first season home game of the year. As a side note, the Saints are one of my favorite plays in the survivor pool in Week 1.

Bryce Young Over 10.5 Rushing Yards (-110) and Over 25 Rushing Yards (+340)

Let’s break out the Bryce Young rushing ladder for Week 1 against the Saints. In 10 of his 16 games played last season Young cruised past this 10.5-yard rushing total. Both games against the Saints resulted in easy overs for Young. In their Week 2 matchup Young went for 34 rushing yards, then in Week 14 he busted free for 40 yards on the ground.

While he only surpassed the 25-yard mark three times on the season, two of those three were against the Saints. Makes it well worth tacking on that extra step on the rushing ladder.

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