MNF: New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Betting Preview 

The New Orleans Saints (1-0) head to Raliegh, North Carolina to take on the Carolina Panthers (0-1). The Saints beat the Tennessee Titans, 16-15, to give Derek Carr his first career win that wasn’t wearing the Silver and Black. The Panthers dropped a 24-10 decision to the Atlanta Falcons. The betting public has pushed the Saints to -3 with a total 39.5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 pm ET / 4:15 pm PT on ESPN. Let’s dive into our Saints vs Panthers betting preview with a deeper look at both teams from a betting perspective.

Saints Get Win But It Wasn’t Pretty

With the focus on Derek Carr playing his first game in New Orleans, it was the defense that was the start of the show after picking off Titans QB Ryan Tannehill three times.

Carr did throw for 305 yards and had five completions of 20 yards or more, but it was the play of linebacker Demario Davis (10 tackles, 1 TFL) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (4 PD) that made it difficult on the Titans offense who were just 2-12 on third down.

The Saints fell to 0-1 ATS after failing to cover as a field goal favorite. Over the last two NFL seasons, New Orleans is 7-11 overall ATS and 2-5 ATS as a favorite (6-9 ATS as a favorite since 2021). Against the Panthers, New Orleans has failed to cover 7 of their last 10 meetings and 3-5 as a road favorite in the series since 2011.

This NFL spread was a little surprising but it clearly shows that the oddsmakers are not quite on board with Bryce Young under center for Carolina. We continue our Saints vs Panthers betting preview by turning our attention to Carolina.

Young Impresses In Debut

The Carolina Panthers lost by two touchdowns last week with former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young under center, but everyone seemed impressed with his play including Saints linebacker Pete Werner who said at the post-game presser that Young will only get better even though his longest completion was for 14 yards in week one.

Young will have DJ Charl back in the lineup after dealing with hamstring issues. Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich didn’t seem so forgiving even though he knows the future is bright. Reich talked about getting the ball downfield more in week two and limiting turnovers (2 interceptions, 1 fumble). That should get cleaned up at home where they turned the ball over just six times in nine home games.

Carolina’s failure to cover as a 3.5-point dog pushed their ATS record to 51-62 since 2016. However, they are much better in the role of underdog in that span, covering 35 of 64 with a push (+4.24 units).

If the Panthers can continue being among the upper half of NFL team defense stats (221 total yards allowed, 5th NFL), they’ll have a successful season alongside their rookie QB. We conclude our Saints vs Panthers betting preview with our official Monday Night Football selection.

Expect The Opposite In Week Two

We could just cut and paste this part for more than half the league this week but the fact is, don’t apply what you saw in week one to week two. This is especially true when a team comes home to play their first game in front of their fans. Don’t start to judge a team until you watch them play at home and on the road.

The Panthers have won three of the last four meetings while holding the Saints to under 12 points a contest. We know the dynamics have changed but sometimes a culture is developed against another team that doesn’t change no matter who is behind center.

This line has moved from Saints -1.5 to -3, an interesting development considering 63% of the money bet is on the Panthers, but 67% of the overall tickets written are on New Orleans. A clear indication that the betting public likes the Saints, while most syndicates will have Carolina.

Our official NFL score prediction has the Panthers covering and winning outright 26-17. That does it for our Saints vs Panthers betting preview, we wish you all the best with your Monday Night wagers.

For NFL odds, Saints vs Panthers matchup analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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