If there is anything I have learned in life, it’s that two is always better than one. With Week Two underway, the New Orleans Saints are going against their first division matchup of the season. Their division rival, the Carolina Panthers, have held the Saints to 11.5 points per game in their last four meetings, with the Panthers winning three out of the four. However, the odds are in New Orleans’ favor. Since 2018, the Saints are 29-12 on the road, which ranks 2nd in the NFL. Concerning the title, the Panthers will struggle to become victorious, just as the heroes did in the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Sometimes, the heroes do not always secure a win. The home team isn’t always promised a victory, especially when the New Orleans Saints are prepared.
Game Info
When: Monday, September 18, 2023 at 6:15 PM CST
Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina
TV Info: ESPN
Injury Report
New Orleans Saints
Player: | Position: | Injury: | Status: |
J.T. Gray | S | Shoulder | Limited Participation in Practice |
Kendre Miller | RB | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice |
Ryan Ramczyk | RT | Rest | Full Participation in Practice |
Jimmy Graham | TE | Rest | Full Participation in Practice |
Juwan Johnson | TE | Calf | Full Participation in Practice |
Carolina Panthers
Player: | Position: | Injury: | Status: |
Jaycee Horn | CB | Hamstring | No Participation in Practice |
D.J. Chark | WR | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice |
Taylor Morton | RT | Biceps | Limited Participation in Practice |
Betting Info
Spread Favorite: Saints (-3)
Moneyline: Saints (-160), Panthers (+130)
Total: 39.5 points
Prediction
With the Saints on-the-road record, I think they have a good chance against the Panthers. Even though the Panthers swept them last season, I have to give this one to the Saints. I know I said that Derek Carr would struggle in his first game with the Saints last week, but I almost feel like he thrived. Besides throwing over 300 yards passing last week, Carr was ranked sixth in most passing yards amongst all quarterbacks. If the Saints want to replicate their win last week, Derek Carr must produce winning numbers. Saints starting running back Alvin Kamara is still suspended, and they have been unable to find an answer to establish a ground game. The 2022 rushing touchdowns leader, Jamaal Williams, has not found his rhythm with his new team in New Orleans. Maybe once Carr finds his groove, Williams will as well. When it comes to air or ground attacks, the Saints are capable of having it all. New Orleans has not been able to start the regular season 2-0 since 2013. Guess who was on that 2013 team? Jimmy Graham. He’s hopefully rested and ready to play this game. Number 80 is ready to help New Orleans keep a 0 in that losing column. The New Orleans Saints are going 2-0 for the first time since 2013, with number 4 leading the pack.
Score
Saints 17 - Panthers 13