Game Preview New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
The New Orleans Saints travel to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina is above .500 this late in the year for the first time since 2019, and with rookie quarterback Bryce Young showing poise in tight moments, optimism is rising in Charlotte.
Carolina (5-4) grinded out a 16-13 road win at Green Bay in Week 9 behind a standout performance from running back Rico Dowdle. He rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The Panthers’ defense also continues to deliver, with safety Tre’von Moehrig named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his interception sealed the victory.
For New Orleans (1-8), the season has spiraled since trading away key contributors like Rashid Shaheed and Trevor Penning at the deadline. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will make his second career start after a respectable debut (176 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) in last week’s 34-10 loss to the Rams. Despite the struggles, head coach Kellen Moore sees the game as an opportunity to rebuild identity and confidence for a young roster.
Odds and Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spread | Panthers -5.5 (-109), Saints +5.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | Panthers -250, Saints +205 |
| Total (O/U) | 40.0 points |
| Venue | Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC) |
| Broadcast | FOX – Sunday, November 9, 1:00 PM ET |
| Weather | Mild, clear skies, light breeze |
Carolina opens as a clear favorite thanks to their steady defense and balanced offense, while the Saints continue to adjust to midseason changes. The total at 40.0 points signals expectations of a low-scoring, ground-controlled divisional battle. For live line updates, visit the NFL odds and scores page.
New Orleans Saints Outlook
The Saints’ offensive transition is ongoing, with rookie Tyler Shough now steering the offense. Against the Rams, Shough showed flashes of potential, but protection issues and a depleted receiving corps limited sustained drives. Tight end Juwan Johnson and wide receiver Chris Olave remain the top targets, combining for nearly half of the team’s passing yards.
Defensively, New Orleans still flashes moments of toughness. Veteran linebacker Demario Davis anchors a front seven capable of generating pressure; the Saints ranked 10th in sacks last season. However, with key absences along the offensive line, time of possession and turnovers could again tilt against them.
Kellen Moore’s team will likely lean on quick passes, Alvin Kamara’s dual-threat ability, and situational defense to stay competitive. But scoring consistency remains a major obstacle — the Saints average just 14.2 points per game.
Saints Injury Report
Will Clapp (C) – Foot – Out
Erik McCoy (G) – Biceps – Out
Julian Blackmon (S) – Labrum – Out
Jack Stoll (TE) – Toe – Questionable
Nick Saldiveri (OL) – Knee – Out
Kendre Miller (RB) – Knee – Out
Trey Palmer (WR) – Ankle – Out
Taliese Fuaga (OT) – Ankle – Questionable
Explore NFL expert betting guide and how to bet on NFL games for context on injury adjustments and line volatility.
Carolina Panthers Outlook
The Panthers have won four of their last five and appear to be hitting stride under Dave Canales. Bryce Young continues to grow as a decision-maker, guiding late scoring drives and limiting risky throws. His chemistry with receivers Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo provides balance to a run-heavy approach anchored by Rico Dowdle’s breakout season.
Carolina ranks third in the league in rushing yards since Week 6 and has used that ground success to control tempo. The offensive line remains thin, but backup guard Cade Mays’ return offers stability inside if Chandler Zavala (elbow) sits again.
Defensively, the Panthers have been aggressive, forcing turnovers in six of their last seven games and holding opponents to an average of just 18 points over that span. The addition of veteran safety Tre’von Moehrig has elevated the secondary, giving Carolina versatility against play-action attacks.
Panthers Injury Report
Rico Dowdle (RB) – Quadriceps – Questionable
Chandler Zavala (G) – Elbow – Questionable
Cade Mays (C) – Ankle/Knee – Questionable
Robert Hunt (G) – Biceps – Out
Brady Christensen (G) – Achilles – Out
David Moore (WR) – Elbow – Out
Princely Umanmielen (OLB) – Ankle – Questionable
Learn more about player impact on line movement with alternate total points and props betting guide.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Efficiency | Panthers |
| Rushing Attack | Panthers |
| Defensive Consistency | Panthers |
| Pass Rush | Saints |
| Offensive Line Depth | Panthers |
| Coaching Stability | Panthers |
Carolina’s edge lies in its ability to dictate pace through the run game and defense. New Orleans’ best shot comes from generating turnovers early and keeping Bryce Young in long-yardage situations.
Betting Trends
- Panthers are 4-0 ATS after a loss in their last four regular-season games.
- Panthers are 3-0 to the over in their last three home games.
- Panthers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.
- Saints are 3-1-1 to the over in their last five road games.
- Panthers are 9-4 to the over in their last 13 games overall.
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Predictions
Carolina’s balanced offense and defensive momentum position them well against a rebuilding Saints team struggling to move the chains. Expect Bryce Young to manage the game efficiently while the Panthers’ defense capitalizes on Shough’s inexperience.
Projected Score: Panthers 24, Saints 17
Spread Pick: Panthers -5.5
Total Lean: Over 40.0
For more expert insights, follow the Handicappers Leaderboard and line-tracking tools on ScoresAndStats for live updates throughout Week 10.


