New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers 9/18/23 – In Week 2 of the NFL season, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers will square off at Bank of America Stadium for an early-season test between these teams. Derek Carr should lead New Orleans while Bryce Young should provide Carolina with some firepower. Those searching for winning football picks will find this piece useful in providing an in-depth analysis of both squads as well as trends to expect in this Southern rivalry matchup.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Date & Time: Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:15 PM ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium
TV: ESPN
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers 9/18/23 Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Saints | -170 | -3 (-115) | 39.5 over (-110) |
| Panthers | +150 | +3 (-105) | 39.5 under (-110) |
New Orleans Saints Analysis
The New Orleans Saints have kicked off their season on a strong note thanks to a dynamic passing game led by quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Chris Olave. Carr posted an impressive 69.7% completion rate with 305 passing yards and an outstanding passer rating of 96.1 in Week 1, while Olave grabbed 8 receptions for 112 yards; at 14 yards per catch average he presents defenses with an immediate deep threat threat.
Although the Saints have excelled with their passing attack, their rushing game led by Jamaal Williams still leaves room for improvement. After only amassing 45 rushing yards on 18 attempts in their opener game, Jamaal Williams-led Saints are looking to expand upon this aspect of their offensive attack by improving their ground game with Jamaal Williams leading them. Their offensive line must also do better protecting Carr as he was sacked four times during this matchup.
Carolina Panthers Analysis
The Carolina Panthers, conversely, are at a crossroads after a disappointing Week 1 loss. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young had a tough NFL initiation, with a completion percentage of just 52.6 and a meager 146 passing yards. This resulted in a very low passer rating of 48.8, highlighting the room for improvement. Young’s struggles could be attributed to first-game jitters or lack of cohesion with his receivers, but the pressure is on him to step up in Week 2 against a formidable Saints defense.
Miles Sanders, Carolina’s primary running back, offers some solace to Panthers fans. He had a much better outing compared to his quarterback, rushing for 72 yards on 18 attempts and averaging 4 yards per carry. Sanders also tried to shoulder some of the receiving responsibilities, but his 26 receiving yards on four catches suggest that he needs more support from the Panthers’ traditional wide receivers.
The Panthers’ offensive line also had a hard time protecting Young, allowing two sacks. Improvement in the offensive line play will be key in giving Young the time he needs to find his targets.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers Against the Spread
For bettors looking to cash in, the betting trends paint an interesting picture. New Orleans has seen the total go UNDER in their last 7 games, suggesting that their defense is as strong as ever. They have a 4-1 straight-up record in their last 5 games but are just 3-8 against the spread when facing the Panthers. Carolina, meanwhile, has been beating the spread, holding an 8-4 ATS record in their last 12 outings. However, their UNDER trend against New Orleans aligns well with the Saints, indicating a possibly low-scoring affair.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers Free Pick
Given the trends and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Saints -170
The Saints look to be in better form, especially in the passing game.
Spread: Saints -3 (-115)
Despite their poor ATS record against Carolina, the Saints are likely to cover the spread based on their overall better form.
Total: 39.5 under (-110)
Both teams have strong UNDER trends, and given Carolina’s struggling offense, a low-scoring game is likely.
Prediction: 13-24 New Orleans Saints win
This Week 2 matchup promises to be an exciting one, especially for those interested in live betting in Canada. The New Orleans Saints are in better form and look set to dominate the game. Carolina will have to make significant improvements in their offense to stand a chance. The Saints have strong trends going for them, especially in their defensive game, making them the more attractive pick for this week’s face-off. Whether you’re new to sports betting or a seasoned veteran, this game provides plenty of opportunities for lucrative wagers. Keep an eye on live odds and make your picks wisely.
