Panthers Eye Upset As Home Dogs Vs Saints

Two new-look NFC South teams coming off wins in Week 1 will meet Sunday when the Carolina Panthers (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) host the New Orleans Saints (1-0, 1-0) as small home underdogs at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. Sam Darnold led the Panthers to a 19-14 win over his former team, the New York Jets – covering as 3.5-point home favorites – and the Saints routed the Green Bay Packers 38-3 as 3.5-point underdogs in Jacksonville with Jameis Winston throwing five touchdowns.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

New Orleans will play away from home for the second week in a row, but that has not stopped bettors from backing the road favorite, moving the line up slightly to -3.5. Winston’s performance was positively stunning as he completed 14 of 20 passes for 148 yards opposite Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay. Darnold played well too with 279 yards and one touchdown, although the lack of turnovers for both signal-callers was just as crucial to their success. The question is, who is more likely to regress in Week 2? It could be both of them, with the total dropping more than three points down to 44 in early action.

New Orleans News & Notes

Nobody could have predicted Winston’s success against the Packers, so pat yourself on the back if you started him in your fantasy football league or cashed any props involving him. Can he do it again, though, at Carolina?

The New Orleans running game certainly helped him balance the offense out with Alvin Kamara and Tony Jones combining for 133 yards on 31 carries while he toted the rock six times for 37 yards himself.

However, one major concern for the team right now revolves around the eight positive COVID-19 tests impacting eight offensive coaches, one player and the nutritionist, as reported on Tuesday. That could hurt the preparation for the Saints heading into this one.

Carolina News & Notes

Outside of Darnold, the most impressive thing about the Panthers last Sunday was a defense that held the Jets to only 45 rushing yards on 17 carries (2.65 yards per carry). They also sacked rookie quarterback Zach Wilson six times for 51 yards. If Carolina’s D can put some pressure on Winston, he could turn the ball over and have a much different performance than he did vs Green Bay.

Last year, the Panthers were very competitive in the first meeting at the Superdome, falling 27-24 in Week 7 but covering the spread as 7-point road underdogs. Of course, Teddy Bridgewater was under center, but the others who played in that game can draw from the experience nonetheless.  

Staff Betting Pick: Panthers +170