Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Two NFC South teams look to finish the season with a win, as the Carolina Panthers (6-9) take on the New Orleans Saints (12-3). 

The Panthers and Saints had a wild game the last time they got together back in Week 5. That game saw the Saints pull out a victory with a Pierre Thomas touchdown run with 50 seconds left. 

Can these two teams top their thrilling Week 5, 30-27 game? Or will New Orleans dominate another team at home, blowing out the young Panthers in their second meeting? 

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

When: Sunday, Jan 1, 1:00 PM ET

Watch: FOX

Spread: According to SBG Global, the Saints are an eight-point favorite. You should take the Saints in this game because of their dominance at home. They are a perfect 7-0 this year, having scored over 30 points in six of their seven wins.

Over/Under: According to SBG Global the over/under is 54.5. You should take the over in this game. These two teams put up 57 points in their first meeting.

Carolina Injury Report (According to ESPN.com)

WR Legedu Naanee is out for Sunday’s game with a broken bone in his foot

New Orleans Injury Report (According to ESPN.com)

TE John Gilmore is questionable with a toe injury. Gilmore missed practice on Wednesday and could miss this week’s game. 

CB Patrick Robinson is probable with a hip injury. Robinson did return to practice on Wednesday so it looks like he has a great chance to play. 

WR Lance Moore is questionable with a hamstring injury. Moore did not practice on Wednesday with the injury that caused him to leave Monday night’s game early.

Fantasy Big Plays

Start Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. The last time Newton played the Saints, he threw for 224 and two touchdowns along with another 27 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Against the Saints this week, he will have another big game.

You can expect Newton to go off for 300 passing yards, three touchdowns and another rushing score. 

Sit Saints quarterback Drew Brees. It’s hard to say that you should bench Brees in what is your biggest fantasy game of your season. 

However, the Saints could get an early first half lead then decide to sit Brees for the entire second half. 

That means you’ll be stuck seeing Brees wearing a baseball cap, instead of throwing touchdowns for your team. 

Start Saints running back Pierre Thomas. If the Saints get up big in this game, they will put in backup quarterback Chase Daniels and look to run the ball more than pass. This means that Thomas will see an increase in his production. 

The Panthers have been giving up 126 yards per game to running backs, so Thomas has an excellent chance at being productive this week.

Keys to Panthers Win

They have to contain the running game again. A big reason they were leading late into the fourth quarter of their previous matchup was because they limited the Saints to only 101 yards rushing.

They have to limit the turnovers. Newton only had one interception in their Week 5 contest, however anytime you give the ball back to the Saints, you are asking them to put up an easy seven points on your defense.

They have to hope the Saints pull Brees early. In their first meeting, Brees went off for 359 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints could pull Brees in the second half to save him for the playoffs. 

Keys to Saints Win

They have to keep Newton contained. In their first meeting the Saints allowed Cam to throw for 224 yards and rush for another 27 with three total touchdowns. They have to do a better job at keeping him from scoring points. 

They have to establish Thomas as their running back. In their last meeting, they only gave the ball to Thomas seven times. He should be their workhorse this week, keeping the offense fresh before the playoffs. 

They have to give Jimmy Graham the ball. In Week 5, Graham had a huge game with eight receptions and 129 yards.

Prediction

The Saints are too good at home this year to take the Panthers in an upset. Carolina will keep this one close for three quarters. However, the Saints, behind Thomas, will explode for 14 points in the fourth quarter to put this game away. 

New Orleans 38, Carolina 28

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