Panthers vs Saints Prediction & NFL Odds For Week 1
The Saints are the favorite in their week one matchup against the Panthers, with the game kicking off at 1:00 ET on Sunday, September 8th at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints’ money line odds are -201, while the Panthers are at +167. On the point spread, the Saints are -4 point favorites, and the over/under line is 41.5 points. This is the first game of the season for both teams, and you can catch the game on FOX.
Prediction at a Glance for Saints vs Panthers
- We have the Panthers winning this one by a score of 22 to 20
- Not only do we have the Panthers winning straight-up, we have them covering the spread at +4
- Look for this game to go over the line of 41.5 points
Betting Odds & Lines for this Game
- Spread: Panthers +4 | Saints -4
- Total: 41.5
- MoneyLine: Panthers +167 | Saints -201
All Odds are courtesy of (BetMGM | DraftKings | Fanduel | BetRivers)
Panthers vs. Saints Prediction: MoneyLine
Carolina’s offense was one of the worst in the league last season, finishing 30th in the power rankings. They averaged just 13.9 points per game, ranking 31st, and were last in the NFL in both yards per game (265.3) and yards per play (4.1). The Panthers struggled to move the ball through the air, averaging only 161.2 passing yards per game, the lowest in the league.
The Panthers had the 2nd best red zone conversion percentage, but they really struggled to sustain drives, converting on only 34.1% of their third down attempts. They also had the fewest first downs from passing plays, as 85.86% of their first downs came from rushing plays.
With a 6-11 over/under record, the Saints’ games averaged 42.9 combined points, ranking 21st in the league. Against the spread, the Saints were 6-10-1. They were 7-2 against below .500 teams but struggled against tougher opponents, going 2-6. New Orleans finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, placing 2nd in the NFC South and 9th in the NFC overall. Within their division, they went 4-2.
When favored, the Saints went 7-6, and as underdogs, they were 2-2. At home, they were 5-3, and on the road, they were 4-5. Their over/under record for the season was 6-11. Against the spread, they were 6-10-1. On the road, they were 3-5 ATS, and at home, they were 3-5 ATS.
- Free MoneyLine Prediction Panthers +167 (Bet Now)
Panthers vs. Saints Prediction: Total
Despite being one of the better units against the pass last season, the Panthers’ defense struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, finishing with only 24.5 sacks (21st). Their overall defensive performance was below average, ranking 27th in the NFL. However, they allowed just 24.5 points per game, which was 29th in the league.
Carolina’s defense excelled in limiting passing yards, giving up only 171.5 yards per game, the 3rd best mark in the league. They also defended the run well, allowing 4.1 yards per attempt (6th). In terms of yards allowed, the Panthers were 3rd in the NFL, giving up just 293.9 yards per game.
Despite not generating a high number of sacks, the Saints’ defense was effective at taking the ball away last season, with 29 takeaways, the 3rd best figure in the league. They also had the 2nd best turnover differential in the NFL. New Orleans’ defense allowed just 19.2 points per game, ranking 6th in the league, and they were tough at home, giving up 18.9 points per game.
Opposing quarterbacks had a tough time against the Saints, completing just 59.7% of their passes (2nd best), and they allowed the 6th fewest passing touchdowns. Overall, the Saints’ defense was the 8th best in the league based on power rankings, and they excelled on third downs, allowing only a 34.5% conversion rate.
- Free Total Prediction OVER 41.5 (Bet Now)
Panthers vs. Saints Prediction: Spread
The Panthers struggled to a 2-15 record last season, with their only wins coming in non-conference games (2-4). They went winless on the road, finishing 0-9, and managed just one win in the NFC South. Carolina’s only win within their division came against the Buccaneers, as they went 1-4 against below .500 teams.
As underdogs in every game, the Panthers were 4-11-2 against the spread, with a 3-4-1 record at home and a 1-7-1 record on the road. Their over/under record was 5-12, and their games averaged 38.4 points, ranking 29th in the league.
- Across Carolina’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 0-3. Against the spread, Carolina went 1-2 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 1-2.
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Carolina has an ATS record of 1-3-1 while averaging 9 per game. The team went 0-5 overall in these games.
The Saints were 4-4-1 against the spread vs. below .500 teams and 7-2 straight-up last year. They finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, placing 2nd in the NFC South with a 4-2 division record. New Orleans was 7-6 as the favorite and 2-2 as the underdog. Against teams with winning records, they went 2-6, but they were 7-2 against teams with losing records.
At home, the Saints were 5-3, and on the road, they were 4-5. Their over/under record was 6-11, with their games averaging 42.9 points per game. Against the spread, they were 6-10-1, with a 3-5 ATS record at home and 3-5-1 on the road.
- New Orleans will look to keep things rolling as they have put together a mark of 3-0 over their past three games. In these games, they have a 3-0 record vs the spread and an over-under mark of 1-2.
- In their last five games at home, the Saints have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 23 points per game in these contests.
- Free Spread Prediction Panthers +4 (Bet Now)
Panthers vs. Saints Pick: Panthers Moneyline (+167)
Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Panthers to cover as road underdogs in this week one matchup against the Saints. The point spread lines have the Panthers at +4, and we actually have them winning 23-21, making them a great pick to cover.
For the over/under line, with the line sitting at 41.5 points, we have a pick leaning towards the over with a projected combined score of 44 points.
