New Orleans Saints (11-2) at Carolina Panthers (6-7)
Monday, December 17, 8:15PM ET
In the last two weeks, the New Orleans Saints haven’t looked like the team that marched its way to the top of the NFC standings earlier in the year. They got shutdown by the Cowboys in Week 13, and then were nearly toppled by the Buccaneers in Week 14.
In Week 15, I expect them to get back on track. Even on the road against a divisional foe, the Saints seem destined to finish out the season strong. The Carolina Panthers will be the first step on their path towards a first-round bye and strong presence in the 2019 postseason.
Drew Brees will do work as usual, carving up a susceptible Carolina secondary with the help of Michael Thomas. Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram should also get the ground game moving, allowing the New Orleans offense to spend the entire afternoon firing on all cylinders. I can’t say the same for the Saints defense, but that doesn’t mean they can’t hold their own.
What it’s come down to recently has been big mistakes in key moments by Cam Newton. He’s missing on big-time throws, and turning over the ball in the clutch. We’ll see more of that against the Saints, allowing the 2018 division champs to keep the wins coming.
Prediction: Saints win 32-24