Panthers vs Saints Odds - Saints stay perfect but hard-running Carolina covers
Panthers vs Saints odds arguably represent Carolina's last chance to keep its dwindling playoff hopes alive. At 3-4, the Panthers have a long way to climb to reach the top of the Wild Card ladder. Sportsbook bettors shouldn't hold their breath—the Saints are one of two undefeated teams in the NFL.
Panthers vs Saints odds: Saints -14.5 (Total 51)
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Panthers vs Saints odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Saints continued their undefeated streak with a 35-27 win over the Falcons on Monday night. At 7-0, the Saints have carved out a substantial lead in the NFC South; now, they must simply remained focus and take a game-by-game approach. The Panthers must take a similar approach but they can't afford any slipups. A three-game losing streak to open the season was a brutal blow to its playoff hopes, but Carolina has rebounded with three wins in four games, including last week's 34-21 win over Arizona.
Panthers vs Saints odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Saints have been nothing short of brilliant on offense, averaging 39 points per game. Quarterback Drew Brees is having a sensational season - he's thrown 16 touchdown passes this season - but he's largely been helped by an impressive running game that ranks fourth in the NFL. Carolina, too, has been relying on a strong running game. The Panthers offense is finally starting to click again thanks to DeAngelo Williams. Williams averaged just 55 yards per game in Carolina's first four games; he's averaging 133 during his last three, including two 150-yard efforts. A bizarre stat: Jake Delhomme is averaging 77 passing yards in Carolina's last two wins. Betting Edge: Saints
Panthers vs Saints odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Saints defense has been much-hyped in 2009 but it is showing cracks in the armor over the past three weeks; they're allowing 29.3 points per game in their last three outings. The rush defense has been a borderline disaster over the past two weeks by giving up 298 yards and four scores. However, big plays on pass "D" keep coming. Carolina has been very, very good against the pass this season, but that's largely a product of their poor running defense. Why pass when you can just hand the ball off? The Panther shave allowed 127 yards a game on the ground. Julius Peppers is excelling right now, though; the defensive end has six sacks in his last four starts. Betting Edge: Even
Panthers vs Saints odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Reliable blocker and pass-catcher Brad Hoover injured his ankle last week. Running back Jonathan Stewart is nursing a heel injury but looked great against the Cardinals (87 yards, two scores). Save from a few bumps and bruises, New Orleans is quite healthy. Betting Edge: New Orleans
Panthers vs Saints odds for total: Over 51
New Orleans is bound to score a bushel of points no matter who it plays, while the Panthers running game is heating up just in time to take on a struggling Saints "D." If you bet on sports, bet the over - we could be looking at pinball scores in this one. Pick: OVER 51
Panthers vs Saints betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This is a scary matchup for New Orleans. It's a short week to rest and prepare after the Monday nighter and, given how the Saints' run defense is performing, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have to be licking their chops. That said, the Saints have a pretty nice running game of their own and are certainly capable of outgunning the Panthers. Expect a few big plays from the secondary against mistake-prone Delhomme and a Saints win - but the hard-running Panthers to cover. DJ's PICK: Panthers +14.5
NFL Week 9 odds - including Panthers vs Saints odds - can be found in the sportsbook. D.J. Tomkins is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
