Panthers vs. Saints Week 1 NFL Predictions & Betting Picks | Jay Horne

Carolina Panthers (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. New Orleans Saints (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)
NFL Football Week 1
Date/Time: Sunday September 8th, 2024. 1:00 PM (EST)
Where: Caesars Superdome New Orleans, LA.
TV: FOX

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: CAR +4/NO -4
Moneyline: CAR +180/NO -215
Total: 40.5

Despite landing the #1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in the form of QB Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers had a disastrous 2023 campaign that was highlighted by a 2-16 SU record. Former Head Coach Frank Reich was fired after a 1-10 SU start, and interim coach Chris Tabor had a 1-5 SU record during the final six games of the season. Over this offseason, the Panthers hired new Head Coach Dave Canales whose strength is on the offensive side of the football. The Panthers also spent the offseason trying to bring in some weapons on the offensive side of the ball, which includes WR Diontae Johnson (Pittsburgh) and 1st round draft pick WR Xavier Legette.

The Panthers’ offseason moves have once again created some optimism that the Panthers should have a better 2024 campaign. Quite frankly, they couldn’t get much worse from what we saw in 2023. The good news for Panthers fans is that any improvement could make them a threat in the NFC South, which was easily the worst division in football last year. The Panthers will open the season this Sunday by traveling to New Orleans for an NFC South showdown with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are on the heels of a 9-8 SU 2023 campaign that was highlighted by inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball. Unlike Carolina, the Saints did not add much help over the offseason. Needless to say, there are black clouds of concern surrounding this Saints organization in year #3 of the Dennis Allen regime.

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Analysis

The storyline for this match-up will surround both offenses and who will be the worst of the two. Despite being just one game away from the playoffs in 2023, the Saints had an extremely disappointing season on the offensive side of the football. QB Derek Carr appeared to be a 150-million-dollar bust. Meanwhile, former superstars RB Alvin Kamara and WR Michael Thomas were both well past their prime. While Kamara is still capable of contributing, the biggest bright spot on offense was the talent from WR Chris Olave. However, even with some talent on the offensive side of the ball, the play of the offensive line was absolutely horrendous and contributed to many of the problems that Carr experienced.

Going into this season, I am not convinced one bit that the Saints will be any better on the offensive side of the football. The offensive line still has major concerns, and as I alluded to above, I don’t think they made any offseason moves to get better. Meanwhile, I believe the Panthers have a much more realistic opportunity to be better in 2024 right out of the gates. Head Coach Dave Caneles is a solid play-caller, which leads me to believe the Panthers will make it easier for QB Byrce Young in his sophomore campaign. I also believe the additions of Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette will be beneficial for the offense. For this particular match-up, the key will be along the offensive front for both teams. While I mentioned the Saints concerns on the offensive line, the Saints pass-rush could be their best weapon against Carolina’s offense. Therefore, the offensive line that plays the best in this game will likely be on the winning side of the field.

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Trends

• The Panthers are 5-10 ATS in the last 15 games.
• The Panthers are 1-9 SU in the last ten games.
• The Panthers are 0-9 SU in the last nine games on the road.
• The Panthers have hit the “under” in 9 of the last 11 games.
• The Saints are 4-1 ATS in the last five games.
• The Saints have hit the “under” in 14 of the last 20 games.
• The Saints have hit the “under” in each of the last seven games against Carolina.
• The Saints are 7-2 SU in the last nine games against Carolina.

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Prediction

I really expect the Panthers to be better this season, and this is an advantageous match-up for their season opener. As a result, I am going with the Panthers and the extra points!

Jay’s Pick: Take Carolina +4

Bet your Week 1 NFL picks for FREE by scoring a 100% free play bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 by entering bonus promo code XPREDICT at XBet Sportsbook!