Rivals Carolina and New Orleans throw down for pride on Sunday. Neither the Panthers nor the Saints will make the playoffs this season. Both teams, though, will be all out to win this contest. The Saints hate losing to their NFC South rivals. The Panthers love beating the Saints. Will N’Awlins head to the offseason with a fourth straight win? Or will Carolina enter the offseason knowing they swept their biggest rivals?

Nitrobetting is ready to equip its bettors with the latest news, NFL odds, and special features for the entire duration of the 2022 NFL season. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Week 18 divisional showdown between the Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans.

Panthers vs. Saints Game Information

Thursday's practice report with @ErinESummers!

???? Prepping for the Panthers
???? #Saints defense ???? pic.twitter.com/UOgdfLWmaA

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 6, 2023

• When: Sunday, January 8, 2023, 1:00 PM ET
• Where: Caesers Superdome, New Orleans, LA
• TV: FOX
• Radio: WRFX 99.7 FM (Panthers) // 870 WWL AM (Saints)
• Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
• NFL Odds: Panthers (+3.5) // Saints (-3.5)

READ MORE: Chiefs vs. Raiders 2022 NFL Week 18 Odds, Preview & Pick

Why Bet on the Carolina Panthers?

It’s difficult to say anything bad about Carolina’s offense. In 3 of their last 4 games, Carolina’s O has played great football.

The Panthers scored 30 in a win against Seattle, 27 in a victory over Detroit, and 24 in a loss versus Tampa Bay. Quarterback Sam Darnold did his part in the game against Tampa, throwing for 341 yards and 3 TDs.

Darnold and the offense did their part versus the Buccaneers. The defense didn’t. The Panthers allowed Tom Brady to throw for 432 yards and toss three long touchdown passes to Mike Evans. Allowing a single player to burn your defense three times in one game isn’t good.

It was the second week in a row the Panthers had allowed a single player to score 3 touchdowns. The Lions Shane Zylstra scored three in a losing effort in week 16.

Why Bet on the New Orleans Saints?

In a contrast to past seasons, the Saints’ offense isn’t great. New Orleans averages 20.2 points per game.

But although the offense doesn’t light it up, it has done enough in recent games. If not for Tom Brady’s heroics, New Orleans probably would have beaten the Buccaneers in a 17-16 loss. Since losing to Terrific Tom and Tampa, the Saints have won 3 straight over Atlanta, Cleveland, and Philadelphia.

The Saints’ defense has turned into one of the league’s better units. In week 17, Gardner Minshew and the Eagles scored 10 points in a loss.

In the week before, Deshaun Watson and the Browns scored 10 points in a loss. The Saints’ D held Atlanta to 18, Tampa to 17, and the 49ers to 13.

Panthers vs. Saints Betting Trends

• Panthers are 3-8 ATS in the last 11 games on the road.
• Carolina is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 versus the NFC.
• Over is 4-0 in the Panthers last 4 games.
• Saints are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 versus the NFC South.
• New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 games following an ATS win.
• Under is 5-0 in New Orleans’ last 5 games.

Panthers vs. Saints Expert Betting Predictions

Carolina always seems to have the Saints’ number. But in this game, New Orleans gets the nod. The reason to like the Saints is because of their pass defense.

New Orleans ranks third in passing defense. Sam Darnold is going to have a heck of a time throwing the football. The Saints do allow rushing yard, but the Panthers haven’t rushed the ball as well in the last two weeks as they did about a month and a half ago.

Almost as important? New Orleans will start a lot of young players on Sunday. All of those young players, receiver Chris Olave, left tackle Trevor Penning, corner Alontae Taylor, and linebacker Kaden Elliss will go one-hundred percent because they’re happy to just be playing.

Saints win and cover.

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*All stated odds are subject to change without prior notice.