Carolina Panthers (1-11) vs. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints 12/10/23 – The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints are set for an NFC South rivalry matchup in Week 14. The 1-11 Panthers have been eliminated from playoff contention, while the 5-7 Saints still have an outside shot at the postseason. This shapes up as a potential letdown spot for New Orleans. Get our free NFL total picks for this matchup.
The Panthers offense has struggled mightily, ranking 31st with just 286.3 yards per game. Third string rookie QB Bryce Young has flashed potential but battles inconsistency and lack of weapons. Top back Chuba Hubbard offers a solid rushing threat but no game-breakers at WR beyond Adam Thielen. Expect another heavy dose of Hubbard and the run game from Carolina.
Meanwhile, the Saints offense has found new life with veteran QB Derek Carr at the helm. The addition of WR Chris Olave and a healthy Alvin Kamara has given their passing and rushing attacks new firepower. Kamara should be licking his chops facing a Panthers defense ranked 29th against the run, allowing 142.5 rush yards per game. Expect the Saints to utilize their RB duo to set up play-action shots downfield.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints 12/10/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Caesars Superdome |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Bryce Young QB vs. Derek Carr QB
The Panthers rookie Bryce Young has flashed ability in his first NFL action but been derailed by injuries and lack of weapons in the passing game. He has just 9 TD passes through 10 starts, struggling with turnovers (8 INTs) and dealing with constant pressure (40 sacks). Young has above-average arm talent and mobility, but his decision making and field vision are still very raw. He often fails to anticipate openings or holds the ball too long. Young’s potential is evident, but so is his inexperience. Their exotic blitz schemes and hard-hitting secondary could force Young into more costly mistakes.
Saints veteran Derek Carr has given their mediocre offense consistency and a legitimate downfield threat since taking over as the starter. He has developed quick chemistry with rookie standout Chris Olave, helping revive a once sluggish New Orleans passing game. Carr is averaging a solid 230 yards per game with multiple TD passes in 3 of his last 4 outings. His fast release, accuracy, and lateral movement in the pocket have enabled Carr to connect on several big plays. The Panthers defense has been getting shredded through the air, ranking 21st in passing yards allowed. Expect Carr’s savvy decision making and precision to carve up a vulnerable Carolina secondary.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: New Orleans Saints -260, Total Odds: 37.5
The Saints are nearly touchdown favorites at home. This big of a spread indicates oddsmakers expect New Orleans to rebound from their upset loss in San Francisco and tee off against the lowly Panthers. The total is just 37.5 points, lowest on the Week 14 slate by a large margin.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
The Panthers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 and have gone UNDER in 5 of their past 6. They have failed to cover in 8 straight road games while the under has hit in 6 straight overall. Carolina has especially struggled vs. the Saints, covering just once in the past 6 meetings while hitting the under in 6 straight head to head.
New Orleans Saints Betting Trends
The Saints have gone UNDER the total in a whopping 14 of their last 18 games. They have also failed to cover in 7 straight home contests and are just 1-5 ATS their last 6 with Carolina visiting. However, New Orleans is 4-1 SU in their last 5 at home vs. the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints 12/10/23 Betting Picks
Considering the data, the Saints seem to have the edge, primarily due to their slightly better overall performance and home-field advantage. However, the Panthers’ tendency to perform better against the spread when facing the Saints should not be overlooked.
In terms of betting, the Saints might be the safer pick for the moneyline, but the Panthers could cover the spread, considering their ATS history against New Orleans. The low total suggests a defensive game, so betting the under might be a wise choice. For those seeking premium predictions, consider the potential for a close game and the trends suggesting an under performance.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Orleans Saints