It’s unlikely the Saints will be as dominant against the Panthers are they were in Week 1 (37-point win) given their injuries, but with Derek Carr back and the spread falling to a TD, let’s make a late play on a New Orleans team that is simply far more talented offensively and more capable of forcing takeovers defensively. Carolina has lost all its games by double digits, New Orleans finally gets a reprieve after playing two of the NFL’s best defenses in as many two weeks. While NO's secondary is injured, it’s not like Carolina and Bryce Young will be able to take advantage. Aaron Kamara should have a great day, too.

Word is that Derek Carr is in line to return to active duty, and not a moment too soon for the Saints. We pause momentarily here because Bryce Young is apparently remaining as Panthers QB for a second straight week with Andy Dalton still nursing a thumb injury. Bryce, however, did show a bit more confidence throwing downfield against Denver last Sunday, and Mike Canales is giving him another audition as Carolina needs more evidence before deciding what to do with Bryce and at QB in the offseason. Note that the first meeting was all New Orleans (47-10) in the opener, but that's just one of six games (out of eight) that have somewhat surprisingly gone over for Carolina. Play Saints-Panthers Over

Kendre Miller is on IR and Jamaal Williams has been ruled out, leaving Kamara and rookie Jordan Mims as New Orleans' only two running backs. Taysom Hill will get some carries as well. Still, I bet Kamara Over on his carries. The projected game script is positive, and it's Derek Carr's first game back.

Jalen Coker has stepped up for the depleted Panthers receiving core these last few weeks. Last week he caught four passes for 78 yards. The Saints are also depleted in the secondary, so this is a nice matchup and opportunity.

The Saints have won and covered three straight against the Panthers including this year in game one it was 47-10 with David Carr running the show. Carr is back again after being out for a few weeks with an injury. The Saints have lost six straight. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener were terrible fill ins for Carr, about the same as Bryce Young is right now. He's the reason why we bet the Saints because Young has no confidence as an NFL quarterback. Even with the Saints 32nd ranked defense allowing 392 a game the Panthers will struggle. Saints to cover.

Who else does New Orleans have to throw to?! Without Derek Carr last week, Olave dominated targets and worked as the clear No. 1 receiver without Rashid Shaheed on the field. Now Carr is back, and the two connected for at least six receptions in 2 of their last 3 games together -- and that was with Shaheed on the field! And while I don't think the Panthers defense is any good, I would not be surprised by the Panthers offense putting some points up and forcing the Saints into throwing more than you might expect.

Olave dominated targets for New Orleans without Rashid Shaheed in the lineup, earning a 31% target share and 58% air yards share last week. The last five #1 WRs to face the Panthers have exceeded this total. Against a weak Carolina secondary, I can see an 80+ yard receiving game for Carolina's top receiver.

So Carolina is 1-14 ATS in the first half of the last 15 games they have played. They have trailed by at least 5 points at halftime in 10 of their last 11 games (the only they didnt was their lone win since last Dec. They can't score, they lose by 18 PPG this season and they have allowed 20+ points in the first half in 7 of the last 8. Derek Carr coming back stabilized awful AB play, Saints are healthier and two field goals in the first half might get us home. The last two times these teams played New Orleans led by 27 and 11 at the half. Panthers coaching staff is awful and roster stinks and they keep selling off players.

Derek Carr is expected to return for the Saints, and that alone should be worth at least a touchdown. The Panthers have been the worst defense in the NFL this season, allowing 33.9 points per game. Playing against Carolina with their QB1 back in action might be just what the Saints need to get back on track. I expect 28+ points for New Orleans on Sunday.

I don't think much of the Saints or their coach. But Panthers find so many ways to get blown out, and are so sorry with an inept staff. Have to fade them. This number will only grow, like last week. CAR 6-18-1 ATS since '23, with 18 losses of 7+ points. I want this under 7. CAR 1-9 ATS last 10, 3-7-1 ATS at home since '23 and 2-5-1 last 8 vs NFCS. They lost 47-10 to Saints already and that NO team doesn't exist anymore, but NO beat them 28-6 late last year. Saints are healthier and if Derek Carr can't go just ride Taysom Hill. Bryce Young has a 56.4 rating vs NO in 3 GS, 48.5% comp, 4.6/att, 1 TD pass.