UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
The Carolina Panthers will host the New Orleans Saints on Monday in an NFC South matchup at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers are making their first appearance on Monday Night Football in five years, while the Saints are seeking their first 2-0 start since 2013.
Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints – game predictions
Contents
The Saints are a 3-point road favorite with a total of 39.5 points. New Orleans opened as a -2.5 favorite, but the line has increased to its current number. Look for the visitors to pull away late to remain unbeaten.
Prediction 1: Saints -3 @ -110 (1.91)
The Panthers will be hyped for the home debut of top overall pick Bryce Young and a prime-time national audience. But a banged-up offensive line and the absence of star cornerback Jaycee Horn (IR) does not bode well for the home team. New Orleans leads the NFL with three interceptions and stopped Tennessee on 10 of 12 third down plays. Although the Saints’ running game struggled against the Titans, Derek Carr passed for 305 yards and had a trio of pass-catchers (Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Michael Thomas) tally 18 receptions for 262 yards. Carolina will play an inspired first half, but the Saints will pull away in the fourth quarter and win by more than a field goal.
Prediction 2: Jamaal Williams Over 55.5 rushing yards @ -114 (1.88)
Williams opened the season with a forgettable stat line – 18 carries for 45 yards (2.5 YPC) – against a stout Tennessee run defense. This week, the reigning rushing touchdown King has a tasty matchup opposite Carolina’s 26th-ranked run defense. Williams is set as the Saints featured running back until Alvin Kamara returns from his three-game suspension. He logged a team-high 49 backfield snaps a week ago and should earn enough touches again this week despite rookie Kendre Miller’s possible return from a hamstring injury. Williams has averaged four yards per rush on 915 career carries and will bounce back with over 55.5 yards.
Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints – Where is the Saints running game?
New Orleans running backs were held to just 50 yards on 19 carries for an ugly 2.6 yards per rush against the Titans. However, Carolina surrendered 131 rushing yards and 5.2 yards per carry to Atlanta’s Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson in Week 1.
Carolina Panthers form, news and injuries
The Panthers boast the league’s fifth-ranked rushing attack with 154 yards per game. Carolina won the time of possession last week by over nine minutes and limited the Falcons to just 221 yards of total offense. Outside linebacker Brian Burns needs 2.5 sacks to pass Kevin Greene (41.5) for fifth all-time in Panther history.
Carolina Panthers injury report
• WR DJ Chark Jr. (Hamstring) – Questionable
• CB Jaycee Horn (Hamstring) – Out
New Orleans Saints form, news and injuries
The Saints’ running game averaged a pitiful 2.6 yards per rush on 27 carries against the Titans. The defense picked off three passes and limited Tennessee to just two third-down conversions on 12 attempts. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed posted a career-high 216 all-purpose yards, and second-year wideout Chris Olave finished with eight receptions for 112 yards.
New Orleans Saints injury report
• RB Kendre Miller (Hamstring) – Questionable
• DB J.T. Gray (Shoulder) – Questionable
Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints head to head record
The Saints lead the all-time series, 29-28, but the Panthers have won the last two meetings:
• 2023: Panthers won 10-7 in New Orleans
• 2022: Panthers won 22-14 in North Carolina
• 2022: Saints won 18-10 in New Orleans
• 2021: Panthers won 26-7 in North Carolina
• 2021: Saints won 33-7 in North Carolina
Key match details
• Date & Time: Monday, September 18, 2023, 07:15 p.m. ET
• Venue: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Where to watch match in UK: Sky Sports (TV), fuboTV, or other live stream
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
