The New Orleans Saints put the entire league on notice after their sensational win in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. Will Jameis Winston put up another sterling performance in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers? Or will the Panthers trip up the Saints? Check out our preview of this game between NFC South rivals.
Jameis Winston was the right choice for the Saints and he did not waste time proving that. The former Florida State Seminoles stud quarterback absolutely outplayed Aaron Rodgers in Week 1. Winston obliterated Green Bay’s defense, passing for 148 yards and five (!) touchdowns on 14/20 completions. Perhaps most importantly, he did not throw a pick in that 38-3 win. The Panthers might not be ready for this version of Winston. They had success in Week 1, but that was against the New York Jets who had a rookie as a quarterback. Then there’s New Orleans’ defense that made Rodgers look human. Rodgers only had a 36.8 passer rating in Week 1. He had zero touchdowns and got picked twice. That’s a strong message sent across the league by the Saints’ defense that also limited Green Bay to only 1/10 on third downs.
The Saints are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall.
Sam Darnold got his first win in his first start with his new team in Week 1, as the Panthers defeated the Jets at home, 19-14. Darnold passed for 279 yards and a touchdown and without an interception on 24/35 completions. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey paced his team in both rushings (98) and receiving yards (89). McCaffrey will be a convenient weapon for Darnold against a much better Saints defense that’s coming to town on Sunday. But it’s the Panthers’ defense which Carolina is hoping could defuse the threat of New Orleans. The Panthers had fun breaking past the Jets’ offensive line on their way to recording six sacks and also intercepted Wilson once. Carolina’s going to need that kind of activity from the pass rush to limit Winston and his big arm. Shaq Thompson and Jaason Reddick will be there to try and put pressure on the Saints’ pass protection.
The Panthers are 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 games as the underdog.
