Panthers (3-3) at Saints (3-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MercedesBenz Stadium, New Orleans TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Saints by 7 1⁄
2
Panthers’ keys to victory: Keep the New Orleans offense on the sideline by leaning on RB Mike Davis, who has filled in admirably during RB Christian McCaffrey’s absence on the ground and through the air. He could struggle against a stingy New Orleans run defense, but that could give Carolina opportunities for big plays from QB Teddy Bridgewater on bootlegs, using the Saints’ aggression against themselves.
Saints’ keys to victory: Their offense will be fine; they have the Panthers’ defense outgunned at every level. Carolina’s weak pass rush should allow QB Drew Brees and WR Michael Thomas to reestablish their connection, and RB Alvin Kamara can take advantage of the porous Carolina run defense if Thomas is rusty. But it’s critical for New Orleans’ defense to keep up the pressure, which it did well in Week 5 after getting DE Marcus Davenport back. Bridgewater is the sort of pocket passer whom DEs Trey Hendrickson and Cameron Jordan can get after, forcing him into off-target throws.
Matchup to watch: Panthers WR Robby Anderson vs. Saints CB Marshon Lattimore. Anderson has been sensational during his first year, and he’ll put pressure on Lattimore on some of the same routes that Chargers WR Mike Williams bullied him with in Week 5. The Saints corner must start hot out of the gate and step up against one of the NFL’s best deep targets.
Who wins? Self-scouting during the bye should have done a lot to clean up the Saints’ mistakes. Their defensive personnel are too talented to remain a liability.
Saints, 34-24