Panthers vs. Saints prediction: Odds, lines, best bets, expert picks for NFL Week 1

Panthers vs. Saints Picks

SPREAD

I'm all over Carolina in Week 1 to cover the spread.

MONEYLINE

I have no bet for the moneyline and am focused on the spread.

TOTAL

The under has been profitable in recent matchups between the Panthers and Saints, but I have no opinion on this game's total.

Panthers vs. Saints Pick: Panthers +4

Panthers vs. Saints Odds

Sunday, Sept. 8

1 p.m. ET

FOX

Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here.

• Panthers vs. Saints Point Spread: Panthers +4 | Saints -4
• Panthers vs. Saints Total: Over/Under 41.5
• Panthers vs. Saints Moneyline:Titans +164 | Bears -196

How to Watch Panthers vs. Saints

Panthers vs. Saints is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET live from the Caesars Superdome on Sunday. The game is live on FOX and other streaming platforms, such as YouTube TV.

Panthers-Saints Betting Trends

• 60% of bets and 65% of the money are on the Panthers to cover the spread.
• 86% of bets and 94% of the money are on the over.
• 81% of bets and 94% of the money on the moneyline are on the Saints.

Panthers vs. Saints: NFL Week 1 Picks

Week 1 is always challenging, especially in the NFL, where many factors including schematic and offseason changes come into play, but my first win total bet before the draft was the Panthers over win total. I believe they will be significantly improved this season.

Bryce Young can't be any worse than last year, and I expect a much better performance, especially with an upgraded supporting cast. The offensive line has been improved at both guard spots, and the wide receiver position has been bolstered by bringing in Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Leggette out of South Carolina.

Defensively, the Panthers don't jump off the page at you, but I trust their defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, who comes from the Vic Fangio coaching tree.

The major question mark for the Panthers is generating pressure, especially after trading Brian Burns. However, I think they can capitalize on the Saints' weakened offensive line. New Orleans moved rookie left tackle Trevor Penning to right tackle, and he has struggled in the NFL. Additionally, the Saints have lost several key linemen and have not upgraded, which could spell trouble for Derek Carr as he attempts to avoid being put under pressure.

The Saints' offensive line unit is significantly weaker than last year, and Carr's performance under pressure is a major concern.

New Orleans has also been dealing with a few injuries, which adds to its issues. Historically, these two teams have gone under seven straight times, averaging 32 points per game in those meetings. However, both offenses are expected to be more modern this season with new coordinators bringing in more pre-snap motion and play-action, which should help both quarterbacks, especially Young.

Best Bet for Panthers vs. Saints

The Saints' potential offensive woes are compounded by trends that favor the Panthers.

Road underdogs in Week 1 that did not make the playoffs last year are 90-59-5 against the spread. Divisional 'dogs in Week 1 have also performed well, with a 60% success rate over the past 20 years and 70% over the past 10 years.

Additionally, Dennis Allen and Carr have not had much success as favorites. Allen is 8-16 against the spread as a favorite, and Carr has a 30% success rate against the spread as a favorite of more than a field goal.

I like the Panthers to keep this game close and hopefully they'll have their first fourth-quarter lead in more than two years. Give me Carolina +4.

Pick: Panthers +4

About the Author

Stuckey covers all sports for The Action Network, with the exception of the NBA and soccer. He has been betting on sports almost daily for 15-plus years, loves Hendricks gin, rarely sleeps and will smoke you in Jeopardy. Go Ravens.

Follow Stuckey @Stuckey2 on Twitter/X.