New Orleans Saints (1-0) vs. Carolina Panthers (0-1)
As the NFL kicks off its second week, one matchup to keep an eye on is between the New Orleans Saints, boasting a 1-0 record, and the Carolina Panthers, who are 0-1. Scheduled for September 18, 2023, at 7:15 PM ET, the game will be broadcast live from Bank of America Stadium on ESPN. This piece delves into key players, head-to-head quarterback analysis, and more, giving you a comprehensive guide to NFL Week 2 picks and odds.
The New Orleans Saints are entering this game on a high note, having won their season opener. Quarterback Derek Carr was obviously a huge factor, but two other players, Jamaal Williams and Chris Olave, are worth highlighting. Williams, the running back, had 45 yards on 18 attempts and will be essential to setting up a balanced offensive game. Olave, on the other hand, received eight of his ten targets for 112 yards, emerging as a reliable target for Carr.
The Carolina Panthers didn’t have an ideal start to the season, losing their opening game. While rookie quarterback Bryce Young had a less than stellar debut, running back Miles Sanders showed promise with 72 yards on 18 carries. Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. didn’t put up huge numbers but could play a more significant role as Young gains confidence.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers Game Info
| When: | Monday, September 18, 2023 at 7:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Bank of America Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream | NFL Game Pass |
Derek Carr QB vs. Bryce Young QB
When it comes to quarterback matchups, experience often trumps youth. Derek Carr threw for an impressive 305 yards in the season opener with a completion rate of 69.7%. His 9.2 yards per pass attempt and passer rating of 96.1 indicate that Carr is fitting in well with the Saints’ offensive system.
In contrast, Bryce Young, the Panthers’ rookie QB, looked a bit overwhelmed in his first NFL start. Completing only 52.6% of his attempts, Young managed a mere 146 passing yards, averaging just 3.8 yards per pass. His two interceptions and a passer rating of 48.8 suggest he has a lot to work on.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: New Orleans Saints -170, Total Odds: 39.5
Examining the current betting odds, the New Orleans Saints are favored with a spread of -3 at -115 odds and a moneyline of -170. The total over/under is set at 39.5 with the over at -110. On the other side, the Carolina Panthers have a spread of +3 at -105, a moneyline of +150, and the under for the total at -110. Given the recent performances and odds, the Saints seem like the better choice for anyone planning to place a bet.
New Orleans Saints Betting Trends
The Saints have a defensive knack for keeping scores low, as evident from the fact that the total has gone UNDER in their last seven games. They are also 4-1 SU in their previous five matchups. Nevertheless, their 3-8 ATS record in their last 11 games against Carolina should give bettors some pause.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
On the other side, the Panthers are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games, and the total has gone OVER in four of their last six. However, their track record against the Saints shows the total generally stays UNDER, as it has in their last five encounters.
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers 9/18/23 Betting Picks
Taking into account all of the available data from recent performances, betting trends, and the head-to-head quarterback matchup, the New Orleans Saints emerge as the more solid pick. Derek Carr’s experience is likely to prevail over Bryce Young’s growing pains, and key players like Jamaal Williams and Chris Olave seem ready to contribute effectively. For those looking at the best betting websites to place their wagers, betting on the Saints with a spread of -3 appears to be a reasonable risk. Considering both teams’ defensive trends, betting on the total to go UNDER 39.5 also seems like a prudent choice.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Orleans Saints will win 24-17
