When Drew Brees is playing like he did in his five-touchdown master class against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New Orleans Saints are undoubtedly the best team in the worst division in the NFL.
Unfortunately, that Brees hasn’t been present too often this season. But will he make another appearance against the struggling Panthers, co-owners of the longest winless streak in the league?
Read on for more on the Saints’ quest to reclaim the NFC South crown. Meanwhile, find out how their division rival Atlanta Falcons will fare on their visit to Lambeau with our preview of the Falcons vs. Packers.
[sc:Football ]
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans
When: Sunday, December 7, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (+10) at New Orleans Saints (-10); total 49.5 – see all NFL lines
Betting on the Carolina Panthers
Apparently, the bye week wasn’t nearly enough time for the Carolina Panthers to rid themselves of their mistake-prone ways. Against the Vikings on Sunday, two Panthers punts were blocked in the first-half alone (the first time that’s occurred since 1975) and both were returned for touchdowns as they fell 31-13, their sixth-straight defeat and seventh without a win.
[sc:NFL240banner ]At this point, it’s hard to pinpoint what the Panthers actually do well. Special teams obviously isn’t one. Their once-great defense was ranked 26th via DVOA prior to Week 13 and could find itself struggling against a Saints offense with a host of weapons.
Even their franchise quarterback has looked like he’s packed it in for this season. Cam Newton recorded an interception for the eighth-straight game against the Vikes, and the fifth game in six where he’s had a passer rating under 80.
Running back Jonathan Stewart (85 yards on 12 carries vs. Minnesota) and tight end Greg Olsen (five or more catches in three consecutive games) have been the standout offensive performers in what has been a punchless Panthers attack that has scored just 17 or fewer points in five of their last six games.
Stewart in particular could have a significant impact against the Saints’ awful run defense ranked 31st in by DVOA (through Week 12). He rushed for 5.8 yards per carry in their first meeting on Oct. 30, but only carried the ball eight times as the Panthers were playing from behind for much of the game.
Carolina has had to play from behind a lot this season, especially on the road. Since their Week 1 at Tampa, the Panthers have gone 0-4-1 on the road, with an average margin of defeat of over three touchdowns (22.8 points).
Betting on the New Orleans Saints
So Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints aren’t completely washed up and awful after all. After three maddeningly inconsistent games which led to three consecutive home losses, Brees finally looked like the Brees of old as he threw a season-high five touchdowns and no interceptions to lead the Saints to a 35-32 road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It was the breakout game many have long expected from Brees, who has played far below his usually elite level this season. And surprisingly, none of his five touchdowns or a single one of his 257 passing yards went to tight end Jimmy Graham, who was used mostly as a decoy.
It’s still a little too soon to definitively say the Saints are “back” to being the offensive juggernaut they’ve been for so long, especially given the up-and-down nature to their season, but if there’s a perfect team to get them back to winning ways at home, it’s the Panthers.
In fact, their 28-10 win at Carolina back in October capped off their only winning streak to date this season. The Saints didn’t run the ball particularly well against the Panthers (they averaged just 2.8 yards in 37 carries), but it allowed them to maintain possession, while Brees (24-of-34, 297 yards) was able to move the ball comfortably enough through the air.
The Saints offense looks like it’s finally firing on all cylinders now, though, with the passing game clicking and their running attack rushing for 5.5 yards per carry against the Steelers.
Defense is always the issue for the Saints, but Newton and the Panthers have effectively neutered themselves with some horrendous offense. Newton’s 36 percent completion against New Orleans was by far a season low, and based on the way he’s been throwing the ball, the Saints can expect at least another extra possession care of Cam.
Writer’s Prediction
The Saints sail past the pathetic Panthers and get back to winning (and covering) ways at home. Create a betting account now and cash in on some big home favorites this week in the NFL.
