Unfortunately, the football world won’t be too high on the Carolina Panthers right now. Between last year’s NFL-worst 2-15 record and this year’s step into a new direction, it’s fair not to put too much of an expectation on 2024.
But do at least a few folks think they can sneak one out of New Orleans to kick off the campaign?
Here are the expert picks for Week 1’s matchup between the Panthers and Saints:
USA TODAY: Saints (5-1)
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/USATSI_22077338.jpg)
Panthers (1): Chris Bumbaca
Saints (5): Jarrett Bell, Nate Davis, Tyler Dragon, Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz, Lorenzo Reyes
NFL.com: Saints (8-2)
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/USATSI_22078098.jpg)
Panthers (2): Daniel Jeremiah, Eric Edholm
Saints (8): Colleen Wolfe, Maurice Jones-Drew, Adam Rank, Marcas Grant, Bucky Brooks, Grant Gordon, Nick Shook, Kevin Patra
ESPN: Saints (8-3)
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/USATSI_22077458.jpg)
Panthers (3): Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Kimberley A. Martin
Saints (8): Stephania Bell, Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Kalyn Kahler, Eric Moody, Jason Reid, Lindsey Thiry, Seth Wickersham
CBS Sports: Saints (5-3)
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/1845461375.jpg)
Panthers (3): Will Brinson, Jared Dubin, Tyler Sullivan
Saints (5): Pete Prisco, Ryan Wilson, John Breech, Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg
Bleacher Report: Saints (5-3)
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/USATSI_22078247-1.jpg)
Panthers (3): Brad Gagnon, Vince Michelino, Brent Sobleski
Saints (5): Gary Davenport, Ian Hanford, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton, Wes O’Donnell
Pro Football Talk: Saints (2-0)
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/1845478189.jpg)
Panthers (0):
Saints (2): Mike Florio, Chris Simms
Overall
![](https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2024/09/USATSI_22078106.jpg)
Panthers: 12
Saints: 33
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