The Carolina Panthers host the New Orleans Saints, Sunday Jan 3, as the Saints will rest QB Drew Brees for the playoffs. The Panthers have won six of eight against the Saints, but the Saints won their last meeting. NFL oddsmakers at SPORTSBOOK.com have the Panthers as –7 point home favs over the Saints with the over/under set at 41.5 points . Be sure to get your New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers NFL Week 17 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com
The Saints (13-2) lost to Tampa Bay 17-20 (OT) at home in Week 16 and already own the top seed for the NFC playoffs. QB Drew Brees made 32 of 37 passes for 258 yards with one TD. RB Pierre Thomas had six carries for 60 yards with a TD, while WR Marques Colston made eight catches for 77 yards. WR Robert Meachem also added a TD. Coach Sean Payton has decided to start Mark Brunell in place of QB Drew Brees for Sunday's game . Since their superstar QB won’t be in the lineup, their most likely to use their fifth ranked running game against the Panthers 25th ranked rush defense. The Panthers are the fourth best team in the league against the pass, and with a rookie at the helm it’s not wise. In each of New Orleans' two losses, poor special teams play cost the Saints dearly. They surrendered a long punt return that set up Dallas' second touchdown two weeks ago, and gave up a fourth-quarter punt return touchdown last week to Tampa Bay that tied the game. Those type of lapses in the kicking game could come back to haunt New Orleans if they aren't corrected. In their last three games the Saints have averaged 20ppg and allowed 22.3ppg. They are 7-0 SU on the road where they average 35.1ppg and give up an average 20.9ppg.They are 8-7 ATS and 7-8 over/under.
The Panthers (7-8) won in NY Giants 41-9 in Week 16 and have missed the playoffs. QB Matt Moore made 15 of 20 passes for 171 yards with three TD’s; over he’s thrown for 891 yards with seven TD’s and two interceptions for a 98.9 passer rating. RB Jonathan Stewart had 28 carries for 206 yards with a TD, while RB Brad Hoover drove in a TD. WR Steve Smith made five catches for 60 yards with a TD, while WR Mushin Muhammed added a TD. The Panthers had four sacks and two interceptions on the day. The Panthers will put their third ranked running game, led by DeAngelo Williams’ 1,117 yards rushing and seven TD’s, up against the Saints 22nd ranked rush defense. But Williams sat out last week’s win with an ankle injury and is listed as doubtful this week. They’ll even get some air time in against the Saints 25th ranked pass defense. Since QB Matt Moore became the Panthers' starting quarterback in Week 13, Carolina has played its best football of the season . The Panthers are 3-1 SU with Moore under center, and the third-year signal-caller has thrown seven touchdowns, with just one interception. Another outstanding performance against New Orleans would help Moore's case to compete for the starting job next season. WR Steve Smith leads their receiving core with 968 yards receiving and seven TD’s, but he broke his arm last week and is out for the remainder of the season. In their last three games the Panthers have averaged 25.7ppg and allowed 12ppg. They are 4-3 SU at home where they average 18ppg and allow 18.7ppg. They are 8-7 ATS and 6-9 over/under.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Carolina.
- Saints are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Carolina.
- Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
- Road team is 16-5 ATS in their last 21 meetings.
- Saints are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
- Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
- Panthers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC.
- Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NFC South.
New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers
When: Sun, Jan 3, 2010 1:00 PM ET
Line: SPORTSBOOK.com
Pick: Panthers -7
Point-Spreads.com New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers NFL Week 17 Predictions
The Bottom Line: No Drew Brees, no win. Be sure to get your New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers NFL Week 17 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com and Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Bet at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!
