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The Carolina Panthers (5-10) look to end their seven-game losing streak when they host the New Orleans Saints (12-3) in the regular-season finale Sunday. The Saints have already clinched the NFC South and are currently slotted in as the No. 3 seed in the NFC. But they are still in the mix for a first-round bye. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium. Below, we analyze the Saints-Panthers sports betting odds and lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.
Saints at Panthers: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes
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- The Panthers have covered the spread just once during their seven-game skid. Over that span, they have surrendered a whopping 32 points per game.
- The Saints are 10-5 ATS on the season, including 6-1 on the road. Carolina has covered in just two of seven games in its home stadium.
- The total has gone Over in 10 of 15 games for Carolina, thanks in large part to its late-season defensive collapse. Meanwhile, the Over has hit in four of the last six for the Saints, during which time they’ve averaged 35.3 points per game.
- The Panthers have been getting thrashed on the ground, with a league-high 29 rushing touchdowns allowed. The 5.3 yards per attempt they have surrendered is also worst in the league.
- Saints WR Michael Thomas has caught at least 11 passes in each of his last three games, and has already broken the record for most receptions in a season. He should continue to have his way against a defense that has given up the second-most catches and fourth-most yards to opposing wide receivers.
- Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey needs just 67 receiving yards to get to 1,000 on the season. The Saints, meanwhile, have held opposing running backs to 34 receiving yards per game, seventh-lowest mark in the league.
Saints at Panthers: Key injuries
Panthers WR D.J. Moore (concussion) left last week’s game early, and hasn’t been cleared to return to action. Look for him to sit out Week 17.
Saints at Panthers: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 5:25 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Saints 35, Panthers 17
Moneyline (?)
The Panthers gave the Saints quite a scare in New Orleans in Week 12 (losing 34-31), but their recent performances suggest they have thrown in the towel on this season. The Saints should roll, but -667 is a pretty steep price to pay, so it may be best to PASS on this and stick with the spread.
Against the Spread (?)
The number has climbed a bit since it opened, after another ugly performance by Carolina in Week 16 in its 38-6 loss at Indianapolis. The Panthers have also lost their last three games at home, including an eight point loss to Washington and a 29-3 defeat at the hands of Atlanta.
The Saints have won six straight road games, their offense is rolling, and they are the ones with something to play for. It’s a big number, but look for the SAINTS (-12.5, -110) to cover.
Over/Under (?)
The number is 47.5 (Over +105, Under -129). As noted above, the Saints offense has been putting up a lot of points against everyone lately, and Carolina doesn’t have a defense that is likely to slow them down.
The Saints should get to their implied total of 30 points, and OVER 47.5 (+105) looks like a solid play. If it goes Under, it will likely be due to the Panthers getting shut down for the second straight week. Therefore, the Saints and the Over looks like a combination where at least one should hit.
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