Carolina Panthers at Saints early odds and prediction for Week 18

Early odds and prediction as the Carolina Panthers look to conclude their 2022 season on a high at the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.

For a long time in Week 17, it looked like the Carolina Panthers would take command of the NFC South. Steve Wilks‘ men held an 11-point advantage in the fourth quarter, but a late surge from Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was enough to end dreams of an unlikely postseason berth.

This means there is very little at stake for the Panthers in Week 18. The same applies to the New Orleans Saints, who were also eliminated from playoff contention despite securing an impressive victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wilks has already stated his intent for Carolina to finish strongly. Even though this would likely have big-time implications on their 2023 NFL Draft standing and potentially securing a franchise quarterback next spring.

However, this is still a divisional rivalry at the end of the day. And it’s also worth remembering that Wilks is a proud man still fighting to win the head coaching job long-term, so losing purposely will be the last thing on his mind.

Carolina Panthers at Saints odds for Week 18

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Panthers are 3.5-point underdogs at the Saints in Week 18. This can be wagered at -110 on either side of the spread (bet $110 to win $100).

Anyone wishing to bet Carolina on the early money line can get +160 (bet $100 to win $160). New Orleans is fancied to finish their rollercoaster season on a positive note in front of their home fans at -190 (bet $190 to win $100).

FanDuel Sportsbook has set the over/under at 41.5 points, which is also available at -110 in both directions.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Carolina Panthers at Saints prediction for Week 18

There is very little at stake in this game other than pride, so it’s hard to figure out which way this one will go. The Saints and Panthers won’t want to lose a divisional rivalry, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be anything like the same intensity in almost a preseason-type environment.

Established players could be on limited reps, young guys could get opportunities, and there will be a more relaxed feel to the final NFL regular-season engagement for both teams. That’s normally a nightmare for bettors and something most should probably avoid.

As stated previously, Wilks is looking to end on a high and get to 6-6 from his time as head coach. This would be a tremendous achievement from the respected figure, who inherited an organization in turmoil and devoid of any real inspiration following Matt Rhule’s horrid three-year stint at the helm.

Beating the Saints is always a worthwhile exercise for most fans. However, some are now looking towards the draft and any further success would throw a significant wrench in the team’s plans to land one of the top quarterback prospects entering the NFL later this year.

New Orleans is in the midst of an eye-catching resurgence to conclude the campaign, winning three straight after their late bye week. Just how much the Panthers have left is also a factor, so backing the Saints -3.5 seems like a solid play right now.