Free Picks: Carolina Panthers vs New Orleans Saints

The Carolina Panthers are eliminated from the playoffs, while the New Orleans Saints have already clinched a spot.  However, the Saints have a shot at the number one seed in the NFC, so they will most likely play their starters, giving them an edge against the Panthers in Week 17.  888sport has the Saints as -6.5 (-110) road favourites.

The Carolina Panthers are eliminated from playoff contention and will be playing their Week 17 game against the New Orleans Saints with nothing to lose.  The Saints have already clinched a spot in the playoffs but have a chance to end up as the number one seed in the NFC.

The Saints were sensational in their 52-33 Week 16 thrashing of the Minnesota Vikings.  Alvin Kamara scored a ridiculous six (!) rushing touchdowns and proved once again why the Saints are a force to be reckoned with.  Drew Brees threw for 311 yards but didn’t have a good game as he was picked off twice and didn’t throw for any touchdowns.   

The Saints are 6-1-1 in their last eight games and 10-2 SU in their previous 12.  If they play their starters, this could shape up to be another high-scoring game.  The OVER has cashed in seven of Carolina’s last eight games against the Saints and six of their previous eight against an NFC South opponent.

The Panthers are an underrated team with a ton of talent on offense and have gone 9-6 ATS this season.  The Saints offense clearly runs through Alvin Kamara, and if he gets going the way he did against Minnesota in Week 16, the Panthers could be in for a long day, but I still expect them to score on New Orleans.

Considering that the Panthers have nothing to lose, Teddy Bridgewater will be more comfortable in the pocket and will score enough on New Orleans to make this game hit the OVER(47.5) (-108 888sport).

• New Orleans is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games against Carolina
• The OVER has cashed in 12 of New Orleans’ last 18 games
• Carolina is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
• The OVER has cashed in 7 of Carolina’s last 8 games against New Orleans