NFL football betting – Saints vs Panthers odds
Posted on 10/15/2008 4:05:35 PM
By Stan Simmons
Saints vs Panthers odds: New Orleans, Carolina battling for NFC South positioning
- WHO: New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers (-3)
- WHAT: NFL football betting
- WHEN: Sunday, October 19th at 1:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina
- KEY STATS: Saints are 2-0 against the spread in last two meetings in Carolina; Panthers are 4-1 in last five games where total is between 42.5 and 45 points
- PICK: Saints +3
The Saints vs Panthers spread is a little different than we thought it would be prior to the season. Not much was expected from the Panthers while the Saints were supposed to be a frontrunner in the NFC.
So far this season, it’s been a different story as the Panthers are 4-2 while the Saints have struggled to reach 3-3. As a matter of fact, the entire NFC South has taken the league by surprise.
The South is one of only two divisions (along with the NFC East) in the NFL not to have a single team below .500. The four teams are a combined 15-9.
It’s hard not to factor injuries when you are considering your Saints vs Panthers pick. Every sportsbook is well aware the Saints have been shorthanded this season, playing most of the season without Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey and Deuce McAllister. All three players are expected to be participating in Sunday’s contest.
The Saints offense has struggled to run the ball in short yardage situations, which cost them potential wins at Washington and at Denver, but their passing has been phenomenal. The Saints passing offense ranks first in the NFL but it will face its toughest test in Carolina on Sunday.
The Saints are averaging 324.7 passing yards per game while the Panthers defense is allowing just 158.8, which ranks best in the NFC (second-best in the NFL).
On the flipside, running the ball will be key for the Panthers, and those evaluating Saints vs Panthers odds are well aware of that. In the four wins that they’ve helped sports bettors cash in, they’ve averaged 142 yards per game on the ground. In their two losses, they’ve averaged 43.5 yards per game. The Saints have given up just three rushing touchdowns this season and just two runs longer than 20 yards, which further adds some spice to the matchup of X’s and O’s.
STAN’S PICK: Sportsbook odds list the Panthers as a three-point home favorite, essentially indicating these two teams are equal and that home-field advantage is the difference. But in this case, look for the Saints rush defense to keep the Panthers’ backs at bay, which should lead to a Saints road win. Bet on New Orleans.
Hit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook for all your football betting needs, and check out our Betting Edge for tips and advice on Saints vs Panthers odds and other great NFL match-ups.
Stan
Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football
handicapping has
strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time
to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the
sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or
questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
