The Carolina Panthers host the New Orleans Saints on “Thursday Night Football,” kicking off a battle for first place at 8:25 p.m. ET. The Saints opened as 2.5-point favorites, and the line has nudged up to three leading up to kickoff according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The total is set at 49 points.
The Saints head into this game 3-9 against the spread in their last 12 road games, and 0-7 ATS in their last seven games as a road favorite. The Saints are 1-3 straight up and ATS in their last four contests with the Panthers. They are also 1-5 ATS in their last six road contests against Carolina. The Panthers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.
The total has gone OVER in five of Carolina?s last six games, and in six of New Orleans? last seven games. However, the total has gone UNDER in nine of the last 11 games between these two in Carolina. The OddsShark Computer predicts a 28-19 Saints victory. That would provide for the New Orleans cover, and the UNDER.
The Saints will be without inside linebacker David Hawthorne, who was ruled out with a hand injury. Ramon Humber will replace him in the starting lineup. Tight end Jimmy Graham and running back Khiry Robinson are both listed as questionable. Graham will play, while Robinson is expected to sit alongside Pierre Thomas, leaving the bulk of the carries to Mark Ingram.
The Panthers will welcome back DeAngelo Williams for the first time in a month, as he is listed as probable with an ankle injury. He will split carries with Jonathan Stewart. The Panthers will be without left tackle Byron Bell, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Rookie David Foucault will start in his place.
New England remains a field goal home underdog to Denver, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The Patriots are 26-3 SU in their last 29 games, and the home team is 8-2 SU and ATS in the last 10 in this series.
Chandler Jones remains the big name on the Patriots’ injury report. He suffered a hip injury two weeks ago, and is expected to miss another couple weeks. Tom Brady was once again listed on the injury report as a full participant, and will play like normal.
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