Panthers Vs Saints – Week 1 Preview & Odds

Two NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, are set to face off in Week 1 of the 2024-25 NFL season at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Both teams are looking to start their regular seasons on the right foot, with the Panthers aiming to bounce back from a tough 2-15 season, while the Saints hope to continue their late-season momentum from last year.

Game Details

• Matchup: Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
• Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024 (Week 1)
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
• Watch: FOX

Odds at BetOnline

• Moneyline: Panthers +180, Saints -215
• Spread: Panthers +4.5 (-118), Saints -4.5 (-104)
• Total: Over/Under 40.5 (-105/-115)

Panthers vs. Saints Moneyline

The Saints appear to be in a good position as potential sleepers in the NFC South, particularly if the Atlanta Falcons stumble. With arguably the best defense in the division and significant talent on offense, the Saints have a solid foundation.

While the Panthers may present a challenge in Week 1, especially with the addition of dynamic players like Diontae Johnson, New Orleans seems poised to prevail. The Saints’ offense showed substantial improvement late last season, averaging 28.8 points over their final six games. In contrast, the Panthers reached 28 points just once all season, indicating a gap in offensive firepower.

Though Carolina is expected to improve this year, the Saints are stronger on both offense and defense. Given their 2-0 record against the Panthers last year, New Orleans is the pick to win this game outright.

Panthers vs. Saints Spread

The spread reflects uncertainty, particularly about the Saints, who were 4-4 against the spread at home last year. Carolina struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom in points per game and points allowed. Despite these struggles, they had four losses by five points or fewer, including a narrow 20-17 defeat to the Saints in Week 2.

Divisional games are often close, and while the Saints should win, this matchup could be tighter than anticipated. Betting on Carolina to cover the spread appears wise.

Panthers vs. Saints Over/Under

Neither of last year’s games between these teams exceeded 40 points, but the Saints boast several offensive weapons. With players like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Alvin Kamara, and Taysom Hill, the New Orleans offense has the potential to put points on the board.

However, the Panthers’ defense held strong in the latter half of last season, limiting opponents to 21 points or less in six of their final 11 games. Offensively, new quarterback Bryce Young and receiver Diontae Johnson could inject life into Carolina’s attack, but both teams might struggle to reach high-scoring numbers in Week 1. Thus, the Under is a sensible play.

Panthers vs. Saints Player Prop Bets

Taysom Hill Anytime Touchdown (+180)

Though Kamara has shorter odds at +125, Hill offers better value, especially given his success near the goal line. Hill has 27 career rushing touchdowns, including four last season, and he’s likely to get opportunities to score, particularly in short-yardage situations. The Panthers allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL last year, making this a promising prop.

Bryce Young Over 0.5 Interceptions
Young struggled with turnovers last season, throwing 10 interceptions. He faces a formidable New Orleans secondary that ranked third in the NFL in interceptions last year, with key players like Marshon Lattimore, Tyrann Mathieu, and rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry patrolling the field. Young could be pressured into mistakes in his season opener.

Panthers vs. Saints Best Bets Summary

• Moneyline: Saints (-215). The Saints are a solid pick to win, given their strength on both sides of the ball.
• Spread: Panthers +4.5 (-118). While the Saints are favored to win, expect the Panthers to keep the game close.
• Total: Under 40.5 (-115). With both teams likely to rely on their defenses in Week 1, the game should see fewer points.
• Prop 1: Taysom Hill Anytime Touchdown (+180). Hill’s versatility near the goal line makes him a good bet to score.
• Prop 2: Bryce Young Over 0.5 Interceptions (TBD). Facing a tough Saints secondary, Young is likely to throw at least one pick.