Panthers @ Saints Preview: SNF Is A Bayou Battle
While it is a bit difficult to grasp, the game between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers could very well decide who clinches a playoff spot. Here is what has to happen in order for either the Saints or the Panthers to clinch a playoff spots courtesy of NFL.Com:
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New Orleans clinches a playoff spot with:
1) NO win + PHI loss or tie + DAL loss or tie + ARI loss OR
2) NO win + PHI loss or tie + DAL loss or tie + SF loss + ARI tie
Note: If both DAL and PHI games end in a tie, Saints do not clinch.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Carolina clinches a playoff spot with:
1) CAR win + ARI loss + SF loss + PHI loss or tie + DAL loss or tie
Not only are there playoff implication in this match, it is also one of the most highly anticipated games of the year.
The Panthers
The Panthers feel like they get no respect in the NFL. They have many doubter in the sports world who think their success is the product of a favorable schedule or just luck. They will be playing the Saints with the nations attention tonight on Sunday Night Football–no better time to prove that your team is the real deal.
The Panthers are on a roll. They have won eight straight games and are running the No.1 scoring offense in the NFL. Not only is their offense potent, but their defense is also solid. Linebacker Luke Kuechly has 102 tackles and a sack, while Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy are among the best pass-rushers in the NFL. Add this to Cam Newton’s threat as a runner and passer and this team is very difficult to control.
Newton’s weakness is accuracy. Â While he has thrown 19 touchdowns, they are dampered by 11 interceptions. Â Newton will need to make safe throws and run the ball when there are no options. Â Newton has already accumulated 447 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
The Saints
The Saints are nearly unbeatable at home. However, they are coming off a shellacking by the Seattle Seahawks they is likely making them feel vulnerable. The Saints will either let their loss to the Seahawks spiral them down hill or take it and learn from it.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees needs no introduction.  He is a future Hall of Famer.  This season he has thrown for 3,874 yards and 29 touchdowns. Brees will need his arm tonight to lead his team past Carolina.
The Saints defense is, to be blunt, weak. While they are no where as bad as they were last year, they still are a young and experienced squad. If they cannot find an answer to the Panther-Newton riddle, then this will turn into a dual between Brees and Newton.
The Line
The Saints are playing at home so they are going to be the favorites to win this one. Â Over at Bovada they have a -3.5 point spread. Their moneyline is set at -170 compared to the Panthers +150. The over/under is set at 47. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
