Carolina Panthers vs. Saints: Prediction and odds for Week 3 (darker days ahead)

The Carolina Panthers look to end a deeply concerning run of results and kick-start their 2022 campaign against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.

Morale is dangerously low within the fanbase and the Carolina Panthers begin their brutal stretch of fixtures with a home clash against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. A chance for Matt Rhule and his squad to make ground on a prominent divisional rival after a disappointing 0-2 opening to the campaign.

New Orleans looks like a force to be reckoned with despite losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. Their defense looks top-class once again and if Jameis Winston can be more efficient, then a trip to the postseason is well within reach.

For the Panthers, things are less certain. Carolina is on a nine-game losing run, they have a 2-14 record over the last 16 games, and are 1-25 when the opposition scores more than 17 points. Laughable statistics that have confidence in Rhule at the lowest point imaginable.

The Panthers state they are close – and their opening two games were decided by late field goals – but the “nearly men” tag has to be removed if the head coach wants to keep his job beyond 2022.

Carolina Panthers vs. Saints odds Week 2

It’s unsurprising to see the Panthers as 3.0-point underdogs at home to the Saints, according to the latest odds from FanDuel. They are +132 on the money line (bet $100 to win $132), with New Orleans favored at -156 (bet $156 to win $100).

FanDuel isn’t expecting a particularly high-scoring affair, with the over/under set at 40.5 points that can be bet at -110 in both directions (bet $110 to win $100).

Carolina Panthers vs. Saints prediction Week 2

There is nothing to state with any confidence that the Panthers can galvanize themselves in the face of sterner competition. They had the chance to get their season off on a positive note against under-strength opposition and failed, so tensions will be running high in the stands if significant improvements aren’t made.

Winston is playing through a back injury. He is also turnover prone under pressure, which Carolina took full advantage of during the corresponding fixture in 2021 that got Rhule’s men to 2-0.

Anyone betting on this team right now is doing so at their own risk. If the Saints get Alvin Kamara back from injury in Week 3, it’s only going to make their task more difficult.

Frustrations are growing even if the locker room is seemingly pulling in the same direction. There is no confidence, motivation, or structure to Carolina’s approach on game day, and it’s resulting in poor execution in key moments.

With that being said, it’s hard to predict anything but a Saints win in Week 3. Something that would scorch Rhule’s seat further not even one month into the regular season.