- The Carolina Panthers begin the regular season against the New Orleans Saints, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
- The Saints are favored by four points over the Panthers, with the game total set at 41.5.
- Bryce Young begins his second season in the NFL after a disappointing debut against the Saints, who also fell short of expectations last year.
It's time for our Panthers vs. Saints prediction.
Two teams looking to climb the NFC South ladder get their seasons under way in Week 1 as the Carolina Panthers (2-15 last season) face the New Orleans Saints (9-8). Both Bryce Young and Derek Carr underwhelmed last season but hope new offensive coordinators and fresh ideas can help them thrive in 2024.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Picks
SPREAD
I'm all over Carolina in Week 1 to cover the spread.
MONEYLINE
I have no bet for the moneyline and am focused on the spread.
TOTAL
The under has been profitable in recent matchups between the Panthers and Saints, but I have no opinion on this game's total.
Panthers vs. Saints Pick: Panthers +4
Panthers vs. Saints Odds
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 41.5 -105o / -115u | +165 |
| Saints Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 41.5 -105o / -115u | -200 |
- Panthers vs. Saints Point Spread: Panthers +3.5 | Saints -3.5
- Panthers vs. Saints Total: Over/Under 41.5
- Panthers vs. Saints Moneyline: Panthers +165 | Saints -200
- 65% of bets and 77% of the money are on the Panthers to cover the spread.
- 85% of bets and 85% of the money are on the over.
- 87% of bets and 94% of the money on the moneyline are on the Saints.
How To Watch Carolina vs. New Orleans
| Location: | Caesars Superdome in New Orleans |
| Date: | Sunday, Sept. 8 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FOX |
Saints vs. Panthers is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET live from the Caesars Superdome on Sunday. The game is live on FOX and other streaming platforms, such as YouTube TV.
NFL Weather Week 1 for Sunday's Game
How To Make NFL Picks for Panthers vs. Saints
Week 1 is always challenging, especially in the NFL, where many factors including schematic and offseason changes come into play, but my first win total bet before the draft was the Panthers over win total. I believe they will be significantly improved this season.
Bryce Young can't be any worse than last year, and I expect a much better performance, especially with an upgraded supporting cast. The offensive line has been improved at both guard spots, and the wide receiver position has been bolstered by bringing in Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Leggette out of South Carolina.
Defensively, the Panthers don't jump off the page at you, but I trust their defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, who comes from the Vic Fangio coaching tree.
The major question mark for the Panthers is generating pressure, especially after trading Brian Burns. However, I think they can capitalize on the Saints' weakened offensive line. New Orleans moved rookie left tackle Trevor Penning to right tackle, and he has struggled in the NFL. Additionally, the Saints have lost several key linemen and have not upgraded, which could spell trouble for Derek Carr as he attempts to avoid being put under pressure.
The Saints' offensive line unit is significantly weaker than last year, and Carr's performance under pressure is a major concern.
New Orleans has also been dealing with a few injuries, which adds to its issues. Historically, these two teams have gone under seven straight times, averaging 32 points per game in those meetings. However, both offenses are expected to be more modern this season with new coordinators bringing in more pre-snap motion and play-action, which should help both quarterbacks, especially Young.
The Saints' potential offensive woes are compounded by trends that favor the Panthers.
Road underdogs in Week 1 that did not make the playoffs last year are 90-59-5 against the spread. Divisional 'dogs in Week 1 have also performed well, with a 60% success rate over the past 20 years and 70% over the past 10 years.
Additionally, Dennis Allen and Carr have not had much success as favorites. Allen is 8-16 against the spread as a favorite, and Carr has a 30% success rate against the spread as a favorite of more than a field goal.
I like the Panthers to keep this game close and hopefully they'll have their first fourth-quarter lead in more than two years. Give me Carolina +4.
Pick: Panthers +4
