Saints at Panthers Week 3 Preview and Prediction

New Orleans Saints

What a disappointing performance out of New Orleans against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past weekend. A lot of people, including myself, were on them to once again take down Tom Brady and the Bucs. They certainly couldn't do that, even if they had plenty of chances to do so. The defense played fantastic against a depleted Tampa Bay offense, but in the end, you just knew Tom Brady was going to get his if New Orleans couldn't capitalize. The Saints are 1-1 SU on the season, but they are 0-2 ATS. They haven't been able to cover the number, and it has been a rough go of it so far for QB Jameis Winston.

It was ugly for Winston when he threw two late picks against the Bucs, which you just knew was going to happen eventually. Apparently, Winston has a broken back, and he is still playing with it. I really wish I had know that before I bet them last Sunday, because there is no way I could have knowing that.

I haven't liked much of what I've seen from the Saints besides some good defensive play, but you need a QB to win games in this league.

Carolina Panthers

The hard luck Panthers have really gotten the short end of the stick to start the year. They are 0-2 SU and 0-2 ATS, but they just as easily could be 2-0 in both categories. Here's another team I bet last week against the New York Giants, and a 55-yard field goal cost me my money and the Panthers a chance at victory. It was much the same story in Week 1, where Carolina was up against the Browns in the closing second, and Cleveland hit a very long field goal to win the game. Devastating to be sure, but the team is better than what they have shown this far.

In fact, Carolina is ranked higher in offensive, defensive and special teams DVOA through two games than New Orleans is. They have been the better team in all three phases of the game, and this is a perfect get-right spot for the Panthers against a division opponent that has not been very impressive.

At 0-2 SU and ATS, they are bound to have the luck turn around soon, and I'm not so sure the Saints should be -3 favorites on the road against them

My Prediction

This is the perfect spot for a Panthers upset. Their record needs to balance out soon, and this is the perfect spot for it to happen. Winston is not healthy, the Saints are on the road, and Carolina has had some of the worst luck in the league to start the year. I'll take the +3 with Carolina, but I'll also take them on the moneyline to get a win here at +135. They are the better team right now.