On the Line: Panthers at Saints

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

Saints -10 (50 O/U)

The NFC South has been one nauseating roller coaster.  Somehow there’s been a little thrill each week with the possibility of making a late run in a struggling division. Carolina hasn’t been the source of this optimism, but instead the division’s struggles helped the Panthers hang around.  Last week, Carolina laid an egg once again, while Atlanta and New Orleans pull away with victories over two solid teams. The Saints won convincingly on the road against against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz field.  The win caters to New Orleans as a southern favorite, making them ten point favorites Sunday.

Here’s a look at what’s On the Line for the Carolina Panthers.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers  +10 (Taking the Over)

I was suckered last week into picking the Panthers to win.  I guess a sixth straight loss taught me a thing or two.  Hard to pick the Panthers for anything right now, but New Orleans hasn’t been good enough to bet on such a large spread.  Ten points is a lot.  Add a frustrated locker room and a coaching staff working hard to polish their resumes, and Carolina isn’t beaten enough to lay down completely.  Overall, I’d stay away from this game.  You have to wonder if Rivera and Shula are feeling the same!

Saints 31  Panthers 24

Mel Mayock: Panthers +10 (Taking the Over)

As I wrote about in my piece “All About The Benjamin,” KB needs a good game.  ⅔ of his catches go for first downs.  We need to move the chains and even out the time of possession.  They held the ball for 10 more minutes than we did the last time we played.  With their Defense ranked dead last in the NFC South, we have to do better.  And you know what, I think we will.  Philly Brown’s speed is going to change their coverage schemes and Benjamin should have a big game.  He can abuse Vinny Viccaro.  The one matchup that frightens me is Junior Gillette vs. Mike Remmers.  Remmers looked good last week, but Junior is elite.  Counter that with some Read-Option to that side and keep him on his heels and we have a shot to win this.  I don’t think we’ll win, but we should cover.

Saints 34  Panthers 27

Freak’n Puerto Rican: Panthers +10 (Taking the Over)

Carolina rolls down to the bayou this Sunday. Interestingly, this week, defensive captain Thomas Davis suggested last season when the Saints hosted Carolina, they attempted to run up the score. Head coach Ron Rivera reminded the team of this in practice all week. The need for motivation must be running high if riverboat has to resort to these type of tactics. Sean Payton and his style of offense always push the ball downfield, besides, even if they were, it is a divisional opponent.

There is a low level of excitement for me in this game. The “young uns” will be seeing lots of playing time. This is good so we can begin evaluating some of this young talent.

What’s On the Line? The future of Carolina. Getting these young players some experience at game speed will allow us to better determine whether or not they are going to be involved in our future plans. It is important because Sunday our future begins.

I think the young guys show up and surprise Brees and the Saints offense, the defense forces a couple of turnovers that ignite an offensive explosion by Cam and the offense. Jonathan Stewart runs for 100+ yards and a couple scores and the Panthers get their final win of 2014.  

Panthers 30 Saints 27