5 bold predictions for Carolina Panthers vs. the Saints in Week 2

Carolina Panthers leave Sunday with a narrow victory

The New Orleans Saints popped the Green Bay Packers in the mouth in Week 1 and put the NFL on notice. The shocking number was obviously the five touchdown passes Jameis Winston threw for. But, that was only on 148 yards passing.

I am not ready to crown Winston as this year’s MVP by any means because I have seen this player in the not-so-distant past as a turnover machine.

This is a huge home game for the Carolina Panthers, even though it’s only Week 2.

The Panthers need this game to prove they can take that next step in taking out division foes. I expect another raucous crowd on Sunday and Carolina’s defense should feed off of that energy to have a big day.

Remember the old Scooby-Doo shows where the villain at the end had their mask taken off only to show who the real villain was?

Well, I expect that to be the case on Sunday with Winston.

Week 1 he might have fooled others into thinking this is a newly minted Winston. But the Panthers will rip off that mask to unveil the player we saw constantly for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Look for the Panthers to come away with a big turnover in the fourth quarter and newly signed kicker Zane Gonzalez hitting a game-winning field goal. Panthers win 30-27.