Week 15 Preview: Saints at Panthers

Photo Cred: Jeff Siner, Charlotte Observer

As hard as it is to believe the Panthers are still within reach of a final Wild Card spot in the playoffs this year. Despite their 5-game losing streak and with the help of some other NFC teams they have not been mathematically eliminated yet. Although 3 divisional games that are never easy remain, two of which to a Saints team that looks reminiscent of the team that took down Peyton Manning and the Colts to win Super Bowl XLIV. In the spirit of Christmas, Lloyd Christmas that is; “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

You heard right, the Panthers could solidify a playoff berth if they can win out the remaining 3 games on their schedule starting tonight. Then the Vikings would need to lose one of their two games left on their schedule. Week 16 against the Lions and their final game coming against the Bears. Both have potential to take down the Vikings, but I like the odds of the Bears beating them. The Seahawks losing to the 49ers in overtime was nice. Unfortunately, the Eagles upset the Rams and the Redskins were able to beat the even more pathetic Jaguars to push both teams records to 7-7. Either way you spin it, the Panthers must take care of business on their end first, plain as that. For the Panthers to pull of the win at home tonight they have got to control the clock, keep the ball out of Drew Brees hands and most importantly score touchdowns! This team that looked so strong before this 5-game losing streak started were scoring 6 points more times than not when getting down in and around the red zone. Now it seems if they don’t hit a big play then its unlikely a touchdown will be scored. Field goals don’t really beat any team nowadays in the NFL and certainly not this high-powered Saints offense. The Panthers are 5-1 at home this year and will need to “defend our dirt” if they are going to come away with the win. That will start with getting the running game going, and if it isn’t working then get the ball out quick to McCaffrey. However, you must get him the ball, Norv Turner must find a way. Oddly enough Alvin Kamara, who was having a great first half has been slowed a little the past few weeks. Enter the Panthers nonexistent pass rush, susceptible secondary and their atrocious 3rd down (and long especially) defense. This scares me. It seems like the perfect scenario for Brees and Kamara to get back rolling like they were a few weeks earlier. That Panthers could do the same thing though. D.J. Moore has been targeted a decent bit the past few games but has yet to make the big play that this struggling offense(outside of CMC) has needed from its new playmakers. This game isn’t about stats and what each team has done against the other in the past. The winner of this game will be the team that wins the 3rd down battle and scores TD’s and not field goals.

The game should be entertaining but I do not see anyway the Panthers can stop this Saints offense. Nobody can cover Michael Thomas on the outside. Kamara is a matchup nightmare. It will be up to Kuechly and company to rally the troops and defend their home ground. I will be rooting hard for the boys on this Monday night clash and hope that my prediction puts a nice hex on the always pesky Saints.

Betting Lines:

Saints (-7)

Panthers (+7)

O/U: 50

My prediction:

Saints 38 Panthers 23

Injury Report:

Kawann Short – Upgraded from Doubtful to Questionable

Graham Gano – OUT

Moose