New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers Picks & NFL Odds for 09/18

How to Watch Saints vs. Panthers   

• Date: Monday, September 18, 2023
• Kick Off: 7:15 PM ET
• Location: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC  
• Where to Watch: ESPN  

The Saints kicked off their 2023 campaign with a narrow 16-15 home win to the Tennessee Titans. New Orleans failed to cover a 3-point spread, and the game went under a 41.5-point line. Derek Carr had a decent debut in the Saints uniform, with 305 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception, while Chris Olave had a notable performance with eight catches for 112 yards.

New Orleans held Tennessee to 285 total yards, and the Saints picked off Ryan Tannehill three times. The trend suggests that the under bet has been successful in their recent games, going 7-0 in their last seven overall and 5-0 in five straight road contests. The Saints have also beaten the spread in their last three away games. 

Key Players Missing: RB Alvin Kamara (suspension) 

The Panthers suffered a 24-10 defeat at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 and didn’t cover the 3.5-point spread. Bryce Young completed just 20 of his 38 passing attempts in his NFL debut, finishing with 146 yards, a touchdown, and a couple of interceptions, and his longest completion went for 14 yards. 

Carolina outgained Atlanta 281-221 in total yards and kept the ball for 34:41 in possession, but it wasn’t enough. The Panthers are now 8-4 ATS in their last 12 games overall, while five of their previous eight home tilts have gone under the total. 

Key Players Missing: CB Jaycee Horn (hamstring), WR DJ Chark (questionable, hamstring)

Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense will need some time to gel things. They’ll have a tough job when they meet the Saints’ defensive unit in Week 2, so I’m laying points with New Orleans and taking the under on the totals as my best Saints vs. Panthers NFL Picks. I’ve also prepared my best player prop as one of the best Saints vs. Panthers picks for Monday night. 

⭐ NFL Pick 1: Under 39.5 total points (-110) at BetMGM

The Saints recorded three sacks to go with four picks in Week 1, and I’m expecting them to torture Bryce Young in Week 2. New Orleans leans on its stout D, and the Panthers will have to bring their best defensive game if they want to upset the Saints. Take the under 39.5 points at -110 with BetMGM even though the line has been set pretty low. 

⭐ NFL Pick 2: New Orleans Saints -3.0 (-110) at Caesars

I’m expecting the Saints’ offense to make a difference down the stretch. Derek Carr and Chris Olave showed great chemistry in Week 1. As I’ve mentioned above, it’s hard to trust the Panthers’ offense early in the season, so give me New Orleans -3.0 at -110 with Caesars. 

⭐ NFL Player Prop: Jamaal Williams to score a TD (+110) at FanDuel

With Alvin Kamara serving his three-game suspension, Jamaal Williams will lead the way for the Saints’ backfield. Williams had 18 carries for 45 yards last Sunday and will look for his first touchdown of the season when he takes on the Panthers, who allowed three touchdowns to Atlanta’s running backs in Week 1. Last year, Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 17. He sits at +110 to score anytime this Monday, so go grab him at FanDuel.