The NFL’s NFC South division is witnessing an intense battle at the bottom as Week 9 arrives, featuring the Carolina Panthers (1-7) taking on the New Orleans Saints (2-6) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This matchup, airing at 1 p.m. ET on CBS, marks a crucial moment for both teams as they look to break losing streaks. The Panthers enter the game eager to secure just their second win of the season after suffering five consecutive defeats, the latest being a 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 8. Meanwhile, the Saints aim to end their six-game slide after a disappointing 26-8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sports betting forecasts currently favor the Saints by 7.5 points, with the total points set at an over/under of 43.5. Fans can catch the game live on Paramount+, which is offering a free seven-day trial for new subscribers.
To provide a deeper insight into the matchup, SportsLine’s advanced computer model, which simulates NFL games thousands of times, leans towards the Saints to cover the spread. The model has shown impressive results this season and historically, demonstrating its reliability for bettors.
The Panthers faced an early defeat against the Saints earlier this season, losing 47-10, and have not seen significant improvement since then. Their offensive struggles have been notable, ranking near the bottom of the league in average yards per game. However, with Saints quarterback Derek Carr expected to make his return after injury, New Orleans could regain a competitive edge, enhancing the prospects for a thrilling contest.
As both teams fight to escape the bottom of their division, there is a glimmer of hope for improvement. Carolina has the opportunity to shift momentum, while New Orleans looks to capitalize on its returning talent. This game could serve as a turning point for one of these struggling franchises.
Fans should be excited for what promises to be a crucial and potentially dramatic matchup as both teams strive for a much-needed victory in their campaigns.