The Panthers dropped their fifth straight game in a 32-6 home loss to Tampa Bay last week, while the Saints fell 20-3 at home against Miami.

New Orleans is a 6.5-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with a total of 38.0.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Carolina got the better of New Orleans back in September, with the Panthers pulling out a 26-7 home win.  Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in the win.  Jameis Winston threw for 111 yards and two interceptions in the loss, before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 8.  The Over has hit in the last eight games played in New Orleans between these teams.

The Panthers are riding a five-game losing streak straight up and against the spread.  They’re 5-10 ATS for the season and have failed to cover in six of their last seven games.  The total has gone Over in five of Carolina’s last six games.

New Orleans has struggled at home this season, dropping five of seven games at Caesars Superdome.  They’re 7-8 ATS overall and just 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.  The total has gone Under in the Saints’ last five games.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina’s troubles continued in a blowout loss to the Bucs last week.  Neither of their quarterbacks could gain any momentum.  Cam Newton started the game but after throwing an early interception, head coach Matt Rhule split reps between Newton and Darnold.  Newton went 7-for-13, finishing with 61 passing yards, no TDs and an interception.  Darnold went 15-for-32, finishing with 190 passing yards and no TDs.  It was Darnold’s first game action since Nov. 11 and he was immediately booed when he stepped on the field.  It will be straight back into the fire for Darnold though, as Rhule has already announced him as the starter on Sunday.  Darnold will likely have a longer leash than Newton had last week.  Newton has lost 13 straight games as Carolina’s starter, including all five this year, dating back to the 2018 season.

The Panthers are now 2-10 SU and ATS since starting the season 3-0 SU and ATS.  Carolina’s defence has given up an average of 30.4 points per game and been outscored by an average of 16 points on their current losing streak.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints were decimated by COVID last week, losing 16 players off the active roster, including quarterbacks Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian.  With Winston already done for the season, that effectively forced New Orleans to start fourth-string rookie Ian Book.  Book completed 12 of 20 passes for 135 yards an no TDs.  He also threw two interceptions, including a pick-6 in his first career series, and was sacked eight times.  Hill is expected to start on Sunday.

Left tackle Terron Armstead, who missed the last two games with a knee injury, is doubtful to play on Sunday.  Wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith is questionable to play after leaving last week’s game early with a chest injury.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Panthers vs. Saints?