Panthers vs. Saints Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction

Edgar Chaput | Updated Sep 04, 2024

NFL: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

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The quest for the NFC South crown in 2024 gets an early start as the Carolina Panthers visit the New Orleans Saints in Week 1.

Carolina
0-1
AT
September 08, 2024, 1:00 PM ET
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans
1-0
Pointspread +3.5 -110
Moneyline +155
Over / Under o +41.5

0%

Betting Action

37%

Matchup Odds
Pointspread -3.5 -110
Moneyline -190
Over / Under u +41.5

0%

Betting Action

37%

Matchup Odds

Call it the NFL getting a divisional game some might not be excited for out of the way early but it’s still a rivalry. A new regime takes over in Carolina, with Dave Canales walking the sideline and calling the shots. Will he smoothen Bryce Young’s already tumultuous pro career? Down in Louisiana, it’s year two of the Derek Carr experience. Will this team punch it in the end zone more regularly than a year ago?

Our NFL odds see this one as potentially close, with the Saints currently pegged as -4 favourites. The over-under is 42.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Flashback to Week 2 on Monday last September when the Saints visited the Panthers. Carolina’s home opener was an opportunity to showcase newfangled rookie QB sensation Bryce Young, only for the night to develop disastrously. New Orleans took the contest 20-17 courtesy of a stifling defence that didn’t allow Carolina’s offence to get going at any stage, save for a late, consolation major. The Saints marched all over the Panthers again when they hosted in December, stomping Carolina 28-6.

The year before it was Carolina who swept the season series but the Saints have nevertheless dominated the last 10 meetings, going 7-3.

There are no two ways about it. The 2023 Panthers were one of the worst NFL teams fans saw take the field in a long time. They didn’t just finish 2-15 straight up. They went 4-11-2 ATS. Oftentimes, poor clubs find ways to make games close enough to have a decent tally against the spread, but the Panthers couldn’t even accomplish that. They lost often and they lost badly.

Not that New Orleans was much better. Granted, they flirted with the postseason, winning three of their last four games on the schedule to finish 9-8. That said, the team was woeful ATS, finishing 6-10-1. Playing at home didn’t do them any favours either as they covered only a trio of eight opportunities in 2023.

Carolina Panthers

It’s been ages since Carolina was considered a threat around the NFL.  The last time was Week 8 in 2018 when they sported a 5-3 tally. For the record, they lost the next eight contests to finish 5-11.

The jury is still out on Young. His play last season, which was bad, was not entirely his fault. The Panthers were tied for second-last in the NFL with 65 sacks given up. How in the world is a rookie supposed to perform under those circumstances? The club attempted to spruce up the O-line by signing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Carolina drafted a WR in Xavier Legette and went after former Steeler Diontae Johnson. Then there is Canadian RB Chuba Hubbard, who somehow scampered to 902 yards and scored five TDs on one of the most anemic attacks seen in quite some time.

On the other side of the ball, the Panthers’ brass made somewhat of a splash by acquiring journeyman but very good OLB Jadeveon Clowney.

One can make the argument that the 2024 Panthers are more interesting than the 2023 edition, but honestly, that remains to be seen.

New Orleans Saints

Things have never been the same since both head coach Sean Peyton (now in Denver) and QB Drew Brees (retired) left the club. No playoff appearances and, true story, a trio of 9-8 campaigns.

The quarterback carousel ended when former Raider gunslinger Derek Carr made his way to the bayou, but the New Orleans attack never caught fire in 2023. Third-down efficiency was a patently average of 38.7 per cent. Red zone effectiveness was just as forgettable at 53.33 per cent. All that said, some of those Carr-to-Rashid Shaheed (questionable) connections were spectacular. Chris Olave remains the number one guy until proven otherwise. If RB Alvin Kamara can resemble his 2020-to-2022 self and not the 2023 edition (694 yards, 3.9 average per tote) then maybe the Saints can cook.

Another big question is whether New Orleans is where DE Chase Young finds a long-term home. The 2020 draftee’s still-young career has been marred by awful injuries.

Who Will Win Panthers vs. Saints?

NFL Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • CAR
  • +3.5 -3.5
  • NO
Matchup NFL Odds