Panthers vs Saints Week 17 Gambling Preview
The Saints (12-3) have already wrapped up the NFC South and the 3rd seed in the playoffs, but if they win this game and San Francisco loses to St. Louis New Orleans will have the 2nd seed and a bye in the first round in the post season.
Venue/ Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Time/Date: 1 PM EST Sunday, January 1, 2012
NFL Odds From: BetOnline
Moneyline: Panthers +345 / Saints -415
Spread (ATS): Saints -9
Over/Under: 55
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints Preview
Since it is unlikely that the 49ers will lose to the Rams Saints’ QB Drew Brees may rest for this game.
The Panthers (6-9) will not make the post-season, but rookie QB Cam Newton had a record-breaking season and Carolina has won 4 of their last 5 games including their last 2. NFL lines have the Saints as 9-point home favorites with a total of 55.
In their last games the Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 45-16 and the Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-16.
This season the Saints are 11-4 ATS with an Over/Under record of 8-7 and the Panthers are 9-6 ATS with an Over/Under record of 9-6.
If Brees is rested Chase Daniel will get the start under center and in his career he has attempted a grand total of 5 passes. At last he has the luxury of having one of the deepest WR corps in the league as well as TE Jimmy Graham who has the 8th most receiving yards in the league. Whomever is playing QB will be facing a Carolina pass defense that ranks 21st in the league.
The Carolina run defense also ranks 21st in the league and the Saints may rely more on their rushing attack, which ranks 9th in the league, if Daniel gets the starting nod. The Saints have 3 RB’s that can move the chains led by Darren Sproles, who is averaging 7 yards per carry.[soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Saints defense, which ranks 30th against the pass and 10th against the run, has one goal and that is to contain Newton. Carolina WR Steve Smith has the 4th most receiving yards in the league and is averaging nearly 18 yards per reception.
Newton can also move the chains with his legs and the Panthers also have 2 legit RB’s in DeAngelo Williams (783 yards 7 TD) and Jonathan Stewart (682 yards 3 TD).
The Saints are 7-0 at home this season and have never gone 8-0 at home in a season. Earlier this season the Saints beat the Panthers in Carolina 30-27.
Betting Trends
The Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and they have an Over record of 5-1-1 in their last 7 games against teams with a winning record.
The Saints are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite, 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games, and they have an Over record of 4-0 in their last 4 games against teams with a losing record.
Jason’s Pick: The Panthers have covered the spread in 6 of the last 7 games facing the Saints and I think that trend will continue. Newton is playing great and Carolina has confidence and while they may not win they will cover the 9-point spread. Take the Over as well, as I think this game may be a shootout.
