NFL Playoffs 2018: Panthers vs. Saints preview, score prediction
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
It’s very hard to beat a team three times in one season. That’s the scenario the New Orleans Saints (11-5) face this Sunday as they host the Carolina Panthers (11-5) in an NFC wild-card matchup. These two teams last faced off in Week 13 and New Orleans defeated the Panthers 31-21. The first matchup between the division rivals occurred all the way back in Week 3 when the Saints destroyed Carolina 34-13 for their first win of the season.
The Saints would appear to have the advantage this weekend. Not only did they defeat the Panthers twice, they did it decisively both times. In Week 3, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was phenomenal, passing for 220 yards and three scores. The Saints also managed to rush for 149 yards. Meanwhile, Carolina quarterback Cam Newton was awful, passing for just 167 yards and three interceptions.
In the rematch, Brees was solid, while Newton was better than earlier in the season. The biggest difference for the Saints was rookie running back Alvin Kamara. The rookie caught five balls for 66 yards, while also rushing for 60 yards and two scores. The Panthers had no answer for Kamara.
Carolina needs a big performance from its rookie all-purpose back, Christian McCaffrey. In two games against the Saints, McCaffrey has rushed for just 32 yards, although he did break out with 101 yards receiving in the second matchup. Newton needs help from McCaffrey on Sunday afternoon.
Carolina’s Keys to Victory
Newton must take care of the football on Sunday. The biggest key is for the Panthers to get the ground game going. If Newton has to pass the ball 30 or more times, that favors New Orleans. Carolina is best when they can keep the offense on the field with Newton opening things up with his legs.
Defensively, Luke Kuechly and company must limit the New Orleans’ ground attack. The Saints have rushed for almost 300 yards in the previous two meetings combined and proved to be a major reason why they won. It’s also imperative for Carolina to get pressure on Brees. Much like Newton, Brees will throw interceptions under duress.
New Orleans’ Keys to Victory
Brees can’t be careless with the football on Sunday. He was terrific against the Panthers in the regular season, in part, because he had a strong running game. Brees needs another strong performance from his running backs in order for the Saints to beat the Panthers for the third time this season.
New Orleans should throw all kinds of looks at Newton. Keep him on his toes, forcing the ball into coverage. If Newton can hit a couple of big plays early, he could be in store for a big day. Once Newton gets hot in the running game, the passing game can be difficult to defend because of his ability to dominate on the ground or through the air.
Expect the Saints to apply plenty of pressure on Newton.
Odds
Point Spread: New Orleans -5.5
Moneyline: Carolina +210, New Orleans -250
Over/Under: 48.5
Prediction
The Panthers come into this weekend’s game winners of three of their last four games. They didn’t look good in last week’s 22-10 loss at Atlanta with the division on the line. However, they still have Newton. He just needs help. He’s arguably as important to his team as any one player in the league. For Carolina to win, it will need a huge performance from Newton.
The Panthers will get just that.
Unfortunately for Carolina, it won’t be enough. Newton will be outstanding, he just won’t receive enough help from his defense as Brees will again have another strong performance. While Carolina will do a solid job defending Kamara, it will be Mark Ingram who burns the Panthers this time. Ingram rushes for at least 90 yards and gets into the end zone as the Saints pull out a close win to move into the next round.
Pick: New Orleans Saints: 24, Carolina Panthers: 20