Panthers (1-11) at Saints (5-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Saints by 5.5
Panthers’ keys to victory: Rookie QB Bryce Young doesn’t have enough weapons to work with, so the Panthers must take pressure off him by running the football. Getting RB Chuba Hubbard up to speed will be important; he only had two carries for 16 yards in these teams’ other meeting this season. When the Saints have the football, the Panthers must pressure the quarterback and create opportunities for the secondary to make a play. Standout CB Jaycee Horn has missed most of the season with an injury but he’ll be back.
Saints’ keys to victory: Can QB Derek Carr lead them to multiple touchdown-scoring drives? The Saints have run the ball well in recent weeks, and this could be a big game for RB Alvin Kamara to show off against a Panthers defense that dodged him in Week 2 during his suspension. But Carr must do a better job connecting with WR Chris Olave and TE Juwan Johnson on big plays downfield. Defensively, the Saints pass rush needs to better contain Young than they did in Week 2. That might be tough with DE Cameron Jordan still slowed by an ankle injury.
Matchup to watch: Panthers LB Frankie Luvu vs. Saints RB Alvin Kamara. Luvu isn’t known for his strengths in coverage, but he’s an impactful all-around defender. The Saints ask Kamara to pick up the blitz often, and Luvu will challenge him.
Who wins? The Panthers have already thrown in the towel on this season by firing head teach Frank Reich, but the Saints can’t take them for granted.
Saints, 18-13