New Orleans Saints (-3.0) @ Carolina Panthers - 40.0

The Saints and Panthers enter this game on opposite ends of the momentum spectrum. Carolina’s prize possession Bryce Young (146-1-2) melted down against a supposedly weaker coverage unit in Atlanta, throwing for just 3.3 yards per attempt and 2 INTs in his first NFL start. 

What’s concerning for Young and the Panthers is that despite Young and the offensive line struggling in the preseason, they really weren’t under all that much pressure in week 1.

In fact, Young was the ninth-least pressured quarterback that played in week 1 (outside of the MNF game). He’ll face a far more physical Saints D-line who was able to sack Ryan Tannehill three times. 

The increased pressure isn’t the only issue. The Saints' secondary looked like an all-star squad in week 1, picking off Tannehill three times while forcing a pitiful 47% completion rate. The Titans' receiving core is not elite by any means, but DeAndre Hopkins is certainly better than anyone the Panthers will be throwing out. 

Carolina was “led” in receiving by a slower-footed TE in Hayden Hurst (5-41-1) who is on his third team in three years. Terrace Marshall (2-23) was the only WR to surpass 20 yards receiving. 

While you don’t want to react too harshly to what we saw in week 1, this does look rather bleak for the Panthers. 

Where Carolina may be able to get an advantage is on the ground.

They were able to grind a respectable 4.8 yards per carry with Miles Sanders (18-72, 4-26) having a nice day. Sanders was the lone bright spot in his first game as a Panther, but he’s also not Derrick Henry, who reeled off some big runs to keep the game close for Tennessee—but was ultimately kept out of the end zone.

Sanders may need a career day here just to keep this game close. 

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints' depth doesn’t stop on defense either. While they had trouble running the ball against what is once again a very physical Titans D-line, the speed they showcased on the outside make them a dangerous opponent for any defense. 

Rashid Shaheed (5-89) had a banner start. He played on just 54% of the snaps but was still able to earn six targets, five of which he turned into catches—including a late sideline snag downfield that sealed the game for New Orleans.

Chris Olave (8-112) went for over 100 yards, and Michael Thomas (5-59) and Juwan Johnson (3-36) were great on contested balls and underneath. 

Derek Carr (305-1-1) doubters definitely had a bit of rude awakening in this game. Carr had one INT (it was pretty bad), but he stood in the pocket well against constant pressure and averaged 9.2 yards per attempt—the second-best mark in the NFL for week 1 behind only Tua Tagovailoa. 

Carr may need somewhat of a repeat performance this week but I also expect the Saints O-line may show better against Carolina than they did against Tennessee. If that holds true, we could see a 2+ TD day from the former Raider. 

Carolina’s D-line was fantastic in week 1 as they managed to pressure Desmond Ridder more than any D-line in the league. The question for them will be whether they can have a repeat performance against a team that has far more weapons than Atlanta and will create far more mismatches for them in the secondary. 

The spread in this game opened around -1.0, and as you can see from the bets posted, the lookahead line was a recommended wager.

Even at Saints -3.0, it’s hard to back the Panthers at home in this spot. 

Carolina’s defense held up well in week 1 but faces a different and far more versatile offense which may have them on their heels far more than the one-dimensional Falcons did.

It’s football, so anything can happen, but a Saints statement win wouldn’t be overly shocking.