Panthers vs Saints Pick
NFC South rivals clash in New Orleans on Sunday when the Saints host the Carolina Panthers at 4:05PM ET.
The Panthers surprised people last Sunday with their 34-21 win over the Cardinals as 10-point underdogs. DeAngelo Williams rushed for 158 yards on 23 carries for Carolina, while Jonathan Stewart rushed for 87 yards on two touchdowns on 17 carries in the win.
The Saints are coming off a win themselves, but failed to cover as 11-point favorites in their 35-27 victory over the Falcons on Monday night. Drew Brees completed 25-of-33 passes for 308 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the win.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Saints 13-point favorites over the Panthers in Week 9. The over/under total for this game has been set at 51.
The Saints are 6-1 against the spread this season, while the Panthers are just 2-5 against the number. Carolina is also just 2-6 against the spread in its last eight games, while New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games.
Given those trends, one would think that laying the 13 points on the Saints would almost be a lock. But taking a closer look at the matchup, the Panthers are actually 5-0 against the spread in its last five games when playing on the road in New Orleans. For whatever reason, the Panthers usually play the Saints tough at the Superdome.
The Falcons were able to pressure Brees and have some success against the Saints on Monday night. If the Panthers can do the same, they should be able to have the same success and with Julius Peppers on their line, they have the talent to generate some pressure.
Our free pick for this game is the Panthers +13. New Orleans’ run defense hasn’t been good of late, and Carolina has a solid running game with Williams and Stewart. As long as Jake Delhomme doesn’t turn the ball over at a rapid clip (which he has been known to do), the Panthers should get a huge cover for bettors.
Our free pick for the over/under is the over. The total has gone over in four of Carolina’s last six games when playing on the road against New Orleans.
Our NFL Week 9 Free Pick for this matchup is: CAROLINA PANTHERS +13 and OVER 51.
Panthers at Saints Current Odds
417 Carolina Panthers +13 Over 51
418 New Orleans Saints –13 Under 51
Carolina is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Carolina’s last 15 games
New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina
CAROLINA
[DT] 08/14/2009 – Ma’ake Kemoeatu IR ( Achilles )
[QB] 09/14/2009 – Josh McCown IR ( Knee )
[OG] 08/31/2009 – CJ Davis IR ( Ankle )
[S] 09/01/2009 – Nate Salley IR ( Knee )
[FB] 11/05/2009 – Brad Hoover is downgraded to out at least a few weeks ( Ankle )
[DL] 09/21/2009 – Louis Leonard IR ( Ankle )
[TE] 11/05/2009 – Dante Rosario is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Knee )
[WR] 11/05/2009 – Muhsin Muhammad is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Knee )
[FS] 11/05/2009 – Charles Godfrey is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Ankle )
[QB] 11/01/2009 – Jake Delhomme injured last game, probable Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Chest )
[FB] 11/02/2009 – Tony Fiammetta injured last game, doubtful Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Concussion )
[RB] 11/05/2009 – Jonathan Stewart is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Achilles )
[K] 11/05/2009 – John Kasay "?" Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Groin )
[LB] 11/05/2009 – Landon Johnson is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Shoulder )
NEW ORLEANS
[OL] 09/29/2009 – Jammal Brown IR ( Hip )
[TE] 09/05/2009 – Billy Miller IR ( Achilles )
[CB] 08/16/2009 – Reggie Jones IR ( Undisclosed )
[LB] 08/16/2009 – Mark Simoneau IR ( Tricep )
[FS] 09/05/2009 – Chip Vaughn IR ( Knee )
[FB] 09/05/2009 – Olaniyi Sobomehin IR ( Undisclosed )
[FB] 10/29/2009 – Heath Evans IR ( Leg )
[WR] 10/16/2009 – Rod Harper IR ( Knee )
[LB] 11/07/2009 – Scott Fujita is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. Carolina ( Calf )
[DT] 11/02/2009 – Sedrick Ellis expected to miss 4-6 weeks ( Knee )
[C] 11/02/2009 – Jonathan Goodwin is upgraded to probable Sunday vs. Carolina ( Knee )
[WR] 11/06/2009 – Lance Moore doubtful Sunday vs. Carolina ( Ankle )
[DT] 11/07/2009 – Kendrick Clancy expected to miss Sunday vs. Carolina ( Undisclosed )
[PK] 11/07/2009 – Garrett Hartley doubtful Sunday vs. Carolina ( Ankle )
Posted: 11/8/09 3:00PM ET