The NFL is back, and what better way to kick off your betting season than by placing your bets on the thrilling match-up between the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints? This Week 1 clash promises to be more than just a game-it's an opportunity for both teams to make a statement and bettors to potentially reap some rewards.
You can sense the excitement building up with the game set at the iconic Caesars Superdome. Whether you're an avid NFL fan, a seasoned sports bettor, or someone looking to dip their toes into the world of NFL betting, this preview will guide you through everything you need to know about the game, the teams, and the best betting options. Let's get started!
The New Orleans Saints will face off against the Carolina Panthers in NFL Week 1 action at Caesars Superdome on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET.
Both teams are part of the NFC South, a less than stellar division last season, culminating with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinching the title with a mediocre 9-8 record.
This year, the Saints and the Panthers aim to reshape their narratives and vie for the divisional crown.
The Carolina Panthers had a rough season last season, ending with a dismal 2-15 record and landing at the bottom of the NFC South. Their only wins came against Houston and Atlanta, emphasizing just how much they struggled across the board.
The offense averaged 13.9 points per game, while the defense conceded 24.5 points. However, Bryce Young's rookie season showed glimmers of potential, giving fans hope for a better 2024.
Carolina's preseason showed mixed results. They went 1-2, starting with a 17-3 loss to New England and a 15-12 defeat against the Jets. They managed to secure a win in their final preseason game against the Bills, finishing with a 31-26 victory.
The preseason was a testing ground for Bryce Young, who is expected to take a significant leap in performance this season.
The New Orleans Saints had a more successful season, finishing with a 9-8 record and tying for first in the NFC South. Unfortunately, they lost the tiebreaker to the Buccaneers.
The Saints turned their season around, going 4-1 in their last five games. Their offense averaged 23.6 points per game, and the defense allowed 19.2 points per game, ranking them in the top 10 for both categories.
The Saints also went 1-2 in the preseason, starting with a narrow 16-14 win against Arizona. They lost the next two games-16-10 to San Francisco and 30-27 to Tennessee.
Derek Carr will once again lead the offense this season, but he'll need a better-rushing attack and improved offensive line play to ensure success.
Understanding the odds is crucial for making informed betting decisions. Here's a rundown of the current betting lines for the Panthers vs. Saints game:
This is one of the more challenging games to handicap this week. For starters, neither of these teams will put an offense on the field this year that will impress anyone, not based on what we saw in the preseason and last year.
Therefore, we are leaning towards the under here. The line is currently set at 44.5 points, which is a fair number. We recommend playing this at Bookmaker, where you are getting less VIG.
