Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/8/2024 1:00 PM EST

We have your Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Carolina Panthers hit the road to face the New Orleans Saints.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Carolina Panthers +165 (bet365) / New Orleans Saints -200 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: -4.0 - Carolina Panthers -115 (ESPN BET) / New Orleans Saints -105 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 41.5 - Under -108 (DraftKings) / Over -105 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 9/8/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
TV: FOX

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints have faced each other four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, the Panthers have covered the spread in two of these matchups, while the Saints have covered the spread once. Notably, all four games have resulted in the total score going under the projected over-under line, indicating a trend of lower-scoring contests between these two teams.

The most recent encounter between the Panthers and the Saints took place on December 10, 2023, with the Saints emerging victorious with a 28-6 win. The Saints, playing at home, were the favorites with a closing spread of -5.5 and successfully covered the spread with a 22-point margin of victory. The game remained under the closing over-under line of 38.5, with a total score of 34 points. Key performances included Alvin Kamara's rushing touchdown and Derek Carr's two touchdown passes, one to Chris Olave and another to Jimmy Graham. The Saints' defense was instrumental, recovering two fumbles and scoring a touchdown off one of them. The Panthers struggled offensively, particularly in the passing game, completing only 13 of 36 attempts for 137 yards.

In the broader context of these matchups, the Panthers have shown a strong rushing game, particularly in the December 2023 game where they amassed 204 rushing yards. However, their passing game has been less effective, as evidenced by their low completion percentages and yardage in several games. The Saints, on the other hand, have demonstrated a balanced approach, with Derek Carr's passing and Alvin Kamara's rushing contributing significantly to their offensive output. Defensively, both teams have been able to apply pressure, with the Saints recording multiple sacks and turnovers in their recent victory. As these teams prepare to face off again, these historical performances provide a framework for understanding their strategies and potential areas of focus.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Preview

The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints are set to clash in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup that promises to set the tone for the NFC South race. Both teams are eager to make a statement as they kick off their 2024 NFL campaigns at the Caesars Superdome. The Panthers, under the new leadership of head coach Dave Canales, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2-15 season. With the addition of wide receiver Xavier Legette from the 2024 NFL Draft and the acquisition of Diontae Johnson, Carolina aims to bolster their offensive arsenal around second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Despite their struggles last season, particularly on the road where they went winless, the Panthers are optimistic about turning the tide with these new offensive weapons.

On the other side, the New Orleans Saints are coming off a 9-8 season where they narrowly missed the playoffs. The Saints finished strong, winning four of their last five games, and are looking to carry that momentum into the new season. With a solid home record and a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara, the Saints are poised to challenge for the divisional crown. Kamara's contract situation has been a talking point this offseason, but his on-field performance remains crucial to the Saints' success. Defensively, New Orleans boasts a formidable secondary, although there are some uncertainties in their lineup that could be exploited by the Panthers' revamped receiving corps.

Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been tightly contested, with each team winning two of their last four encounters. The Saints have had the upper hand recently, sweeping the series last year, including a decisive 28-6 victory in their last meeting. However, the Panthers have shown resilience, particularly in their ground game, which could be a key factor in this matchup. As both teams look to start the season on a high note, the stage is set for an intriguing battle that could very well exceed expectations in terms of offensive output.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Pick: Total Points Over

As the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints prepare to face off in their Week 1 matchup, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident. Despite historical trends showing lower-scoring games between these two teams, several factors suggest that this encounter could break the mold and exceed the projected total of 41.5 points. The Panthers have made significant offensive upgrades, notably with the addition of wide receiver Xavier Legette and the acquisition of Diontae Johnson. These new weapons, combined with the development of second-year quarterback Bryce Young, provide Carolina with the potential to improve their offensive output significantly from last season's struggles.

On the other side, the Saints boast a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Carr's ability to connect with targets like Chris Olave and Jimmy Graham, as demonstrated in their previous 28-6 victory over the Panthers, highlights the Saints' capability to put points on the board. Additionally, the Saints' strong finish to the 2023 season, where they won four of their last five games, underscores their offensive momentum heading into the new season.

While the Panthers' defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the passing game, the Saints' defense, despite its strengths, has some uncertainties that the Panthers' revamped receiving corps could exploit. This dynamic sets the stage for both teams to capitalize on offensive opportunities, potentially leading to a higher-scoring game than past encounters. With both teams eager to make a statement in the NFC South and the offensive improvements on both sides, betting on the total points to go over 41.5 seems a promising pick for this matchup.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints Top Player Prop Picks

Derek Carr Over 1.5 Passing TDs +118 (BetRivers)

Derek Carr's performance in the previous season, particularly against the Carolina Panthers, suggests a strong potential for him to exceed 1.5 passing touchdowns in this matchup. In their last encounter, Carr threw two touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to connect with key targets like Chris Olave and Jimmy Graham. With the Saints' balanced offensive attack and Carr's proven track record, the odds of +118 for over 1.5 passing touchdowns present a valuable opportunity. The Panthers' defense, which struggled against the pass last season, further supports the likelihood of Carr achieving this prop.

Chris Olave Over 5.5 Receptions +118 (Caesars)

Chris Olave has emerged as a reliable target for Derek Carr, and his role in the Saints' offense is expected to be significant in this matchup. In their last meeting, Olave was one of the recipients of Carr's touchdown passes, highlighting his importance in the passing game. With the Panthers' secondary facing uncertainties, Olave is poised to capitalize on his opportunities, making the over 5.5 receptions at +118 an attractive proposition. The Saints' offensive strategy, which often involves spreading the ball among their receivers, further enhances Olave's chances of surpassing this line.

Alvin Kamara Over 87.5 Rushing Receiving Yards -114 (BetRivers)

Alvin Kamara's dual-threat capability as both a rusher and receiver makes him a pivotal component of the Saints' offense. In their previous matchup, Kamara contributed significantly with a rushing touchdown, and his versatility is expected to be a key factor once again. The Panthers' defense, which has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in containing versatile backs, provides Kamara with an opportunity to exceed the 87.5 rushing and receiving yards line. With the Saints' offensive game plan likely to feature Kamara heavily, the odds of -114 for the over present a solid betting option.