NFL Picks: The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a stunning reversal of performance and fortune after a 2-0 start that followed last year’s NFC South division title. Their once stout defense is being ripped to shreds and their offense has reached new levels of ineptitude.
The New Orleans Saints have also suffered a stunning decline on the defensive side of the ball. Last year the unit was the most improved in the NFL but they have since reverted back to the bad habits of their 2012 defense, which was the worst in team history.
In a first place showdown in the NFC South the Panthers will host the Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday with coverage on NFL Network starting at 8:25 PM ET. Carolina opened as a 2.5-point favorite.
Winning While Losing
Carolina is 3-4-1 straight up but 5-3 against the spread and 5-3 over the total. The Panthers are coming off a 13-9 home loss to Seattle. Carolina ranks 23rd in the NFL for total offense and 24th for total defense.
Packers a Brees
New Orleans is coming off a 44-23 season saving home payout over Green Bay. Drew Brees triggered the win with 311 yards passing and 3 TD’s. The Saints are 3-4 SU, 3-4 ATS, and 6-1 over the total. The Saints ran second in the NFL for total offense and 28th for total defense.
Matchup and Pick
New Orleans has covered the spread in just five out of their last 17 away games with six out of their last 10 away games going under the total.
Carolina has lost just three out of their last 14 home games against the spread with nine out of their last 13 home games going under the total.
Carolina has controlled the cashier’s cage in this head to head series with 11 payouts in their last 14 games against the Saints with four out of the last six meetings between the Panthers and Saints going over the total. New Orleans has come away with the money in just two out of their last seven games at Carolina with nine out of their last 11 meetings between the Saints and Panthers at Carolina going under the total. We’ll call for Carolina (-2.5) and under the total.
