Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Carolina Panthers (1-4) are hoping quarterback Cam Newton will be able to return to action as they visit the New Orleans Saints (1-3) on Sunday as small road favorites. Newton (concussion) returned to practice on a limited basis but still has not been cleared to play, with Derek Anderson replacing him again off a 17-14 home loss on Monday night if he is unable to go.

Point spread: The Panthers opened as three-point favorites; the total was 53 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 24.5-24.4 Panthers (NFL picks on every game)

Why the Panthers can cover the spread

The Panthers are obviously a much different team offensively without Newton, as Anderson struggled to get them into the end zone against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in failing to cover the spread as 5.5-point favorites. But the Saints are a worse defensive team than the Bucs, so Carolina should be able to score more, no matter who is under center.

The Panthers are also a remarkable 12-3 against the spread in the past 15 road meetings at New Orleans and have won the past three straight up in the series overall, according to the Odds Shark NFL Database.

Why the Saints can cover the spread

New Orleans is coming off a bye week after earning its first victory of the season against the San Diego Chargers in dramatic fashion. The Saints trailed 34-21 with 8:39 remaining in the game and won 35-34, thanks in part to some timely turnovers and two touchdown passes from quarterback Drew Brees in the last five minutes.

They are hoping that win, along with the bye, will help them forget about a dismal 0-3 start, as they have also gone an impressive 5-1 ATS in their last six versus divisional opponents while Carolina has failed to cover the spread in its previous five road games.

Smart pick

There will likely be a lot of scoring in this NFC South matchup, regardless of who starts at quarterback for the Panthers. The over has cashed in seven of the past 10 games for New Orleans at home following consecutive losses at home and in eight of Carolina's last nine under the same scenario on the road.

Both teams are desperate and will make a strong effort to light up the scoreboard in what should be a high-scoring affair.

Betting trends

The Panthers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games on the road against the Saints.

The Saints are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against their division.

The Panthers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games on the road.

All NFL betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.