The Carolina Panthers will get another chance to defeat the New Orleans Saints this season when they visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Louisiana on Sunday in the NFC Wildcard Round of the playoffs. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:40 PM.
Panthers vs Saints Odds
Point Spread and Over/Under
- Carolina Panthers +7
- New Orleans Saints -7
- Over/Under 48.5
My Pick
Carolina Panthers Analysis…
The Panthers lost both regular season matchups against the Saints this season and would like to avoid a three game sweep at the hands of their division rivals.
If the Panthers are to finally get a win against their rivals, they will need quarterback Cam Newton to play better than he did during the regular season meetings.
In both meetings this season, Newton was a combined 34/53 for 350 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for a combined 67 yards in both games.
It also doesn’t help that Newton was just as bad in Carolina’s season-ending loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, completing 14 of 34 passes for 180 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
If Newton can’t play better than that, the Panthers won’t have a chance to win this game.
Defensively, the Panthers haven’t been as dominant as they were during the season but they have still been a good unit. They allowed an average of 20.4 points per game this season, which was 11th. They will need to be even better against the Saints, and hope Newton does a better job protecting the ball to have a chance in this game.
New Orleans Saints Analysis…
The Saints will be going into this game with a lot of confidence after beating the Panthers convincingly on two occasions this season.
However, the Saints will need to quickly get over their disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their final game of the season, after getting outscored 18-7 in the fourth quarter of a game they controlled until the final 15 minutes.
Drew Brees did his part for the Saints, throwing for 231 yards and one touchdown. However, their running game suffered for the second consecutive game as the tea, finished with 92 yards on 26 carries.
If the Saints want to win this game, they have to get their running game going, so Brees isn’t forced to try and do everything himself, which usually leads to a turnover or two. Their defense also has to play much better, especially after giving up 18 points to the Buccaneers in the fourth quarter.
Final word…
The Saints have the advantage but they have struggled running the ball lately. Expect this to be a close game, and the Panthers to cover the spread. Take Carolina +7. Also take the under on this one.
Play: Panthers +7
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