New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers - November 3, 2024

As I prepare for the NFC South showdown between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium this Sunday, I can’t help but feel the tension both teams are carrying into this match. Two division rivals, each struggling to find their footing, are ready to clash, and it promises to be an intriguing contest.

Oddsmakers opened the Saints as slight favorites, laying -1 against the Panthers. The projected total for the game is set at 39.5 points—an indication of the low-scoring affairs both teams have been accustomed to this season. While this game might not advertise fireworks, expect grit and determination to come into play.

The Panthers currently sit at a disheartening 1-7 straight up and an equally troubling 1-7 against the spread. They head into this game on a five-game losing streak, highlighted by a recent 28-14 setback against the Broncos, where they couldn’t overcome a substantial point spread. Carolina’s offense averages only 15.5 points per game, relying on a lackluster passing attack that generates roughly 189 yards per game at a completion rate of 63.6%. Conversely, they muster only 104 rushing yards, averaging a meager 5.6 yards per attempt.

The Saints, on the other hand, find themselves in a similar rut with an overall record of 2-6 and having lost six straight games. Their recent performance against the Chargers resulted in a disappointing 26-8 outcome, failing to cover as underdogs as well. New Orleans averages 23.1 points per game, supported by a more productive aerial offense that produces 217.5 yards per game with a completion percentage just over 64.7%. Their rushing attack is slightly more robust, averaging 116.4 yards with an impressive 7.4 yards per attempt.

Given these numbers, I believe the Saints are primed for a bounce-back performance in this rivalry matchup. The Panthers have struggled significantly, and New Orleans possesses a stronger offensive identity, which should give them an edge. The Saints have yet to find their footing, yet they still average a considerably higher point total, and they have shown flashes of success periodically that Carolina hasn’t matched.

While I anticipate the Saints to not only win this matchup but also cover the spread, I do have my reservations about the overall scoring production. With both teams struggling offensively in recent weeks, I expect the game to stay under the total of 39.5 points. Defensive strategies and the urgency of the play will likely dominate this contest, contributing to a low-scoring affair.

In conclusion, I predict the New Orleans Saints will emerge victorious against the Carolina Panthers, covering the spread in the process. With the way both teams have been performing, it looks like it’ll be a hard-fought, gritty game—but one that ultimately favors New Orleans.