Saints vs. Panthers Prediction, Odds, Pick: NFL Week 1

To open their 2024-25 season, the New Orleans Saints welcome the Carolina Panthers to the Superdome for an NFC South matchup. 

Virtually nothing went well for Carolina last season. They finished 2-15 in Bryce Young’s rookie season and lost both games against the Saints. 

New Orleans failed to reach the postseason but ended on a high note last year. At 5-7 through 12 games, they won four of their final five to earn a winning record. 

Here’s a look at the NFL betting lines and my prediction for Saints vs. Panthers in Week 1. 

Saints vs. Panthers Odds

• New Orleans Saints Moneyline: -210
• Carolina Panthers Moneyline: +175
• Game Spread: New Orleans Saints -4
• Game Over/Under: 40.5 Points

Saints vs. Panthers Prediction: Against the Spread

I predict the Carolina Panthers cover +4 points (-110) against the Saints in Week 1. 

This number has already moved a half point based on early betting. Although I don’t trust the Panthers generally, I trust the Saints even less in this spot. 

For as bad as Carolina played last season, they played okay in the divisional matchups. They were 1-5 SU in six games, but they stayed within this number three times. 

Plus, I don’t trust the combination of Derek Carr and Dennis Allen, who have struggled to cover as favorites. 

For his career, Carr is 21-37-2 ATS when he closes a market favorite, including 4-8-1 ATS last season. 

Allen, albeit in a limited sample, is 8-16-1 ATS when he closes as a favorite, including 3-7-1 ATS in divisional matchups. 

Carolina also matches a number of historically profitable betting systems. 

Divisional underdogs in the first five weeks of the season are 58.6% ATS since 2005-06. 

Additionally, September divisional dogs at +5 or shorter are 60.2% ATS when the total closes under 43.5 points. With a total under 42.5 points, they’re 61.2% ATS. 

As a result, back the Panthers to keep this game close with a fresh look under new head coach Dave Canales.