Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Odds & Game Pick (2021)

Dec 30, 2021 - 4:51 PM

Coming into this week at 7-8, the Saints aren’t eliminated from the playoff hunt, but they’re awfully close. Not only do they need a win here and next week, but will need help to reach the coveted final Wild Card spot.

Let’s take a closer look at their chances this week against NFC South foe Carolina.

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Details

• Opening Line: Saints -6.5, O/U 38
• Current Line: Saints -6.5, O/U 38
• Last meeting: September 19, 2021, Saints 7, Panthers 26

Overview

Starting off the season 3-0, the Matt Rhule and Joe Brady experiment appeared to be working, as Sam Darnold looked like the right quarterback for the job. Since then, however, the Panthers would accrue just two wins over their final 12 games and come into this one having lost five straight (0-5 ATS) while losing two pivotal NFC South games in the process.

For the Saints, the QB carousel hasn’t been of choice like it has in Carolina, as Jameis Winston went down early in the season followed by a rash of COVID protocol and other injury issues. The last time we saw them on the field in a game they likely needed, Ian Book made his first career NFL start in their 20-3 loss to the Dolphins.

Book contributed to one of the league’s worst offenses this season, as the Saints now rank dead last in the league in total yards (301.9) and passing yards (187) per game heading into this week.

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Trends

• Under is 5-0 in Saints L5 games
• Panthers 0-4 ATS in L4 games following an ATS loss
• Panthers 0-5 ATS in L5 games

Bottom Line

While the Saints’ offense has been terrible, the Panthers are trailing only just behind. Averaging just 305.7 total yards and 196.1 passing yards per game, the Panther’s offense has struggled all season behind a carousel of quarterbacks.

I expect the Saints, who have edges in the running game, coaching staff, and defensive front seven, to pull this one out and cover easily in the process.

Pick: Saints -6.5

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