OK, well, the Ian Book experience for the New Orleans Saints was fun while it lasted.
I’m still unsure how he managed to get drafted at all, let alone in the fourth round.
Week 17 should bring back Taysom Hill. Meanwhile, the Saints opponent, the Carolina Panthers, will continue to platoon quarterbacks in some odd system that clearly does not work despite what head coach Matt Rhule says.
This week, Rhule announced that Sam Darnold will get the start over Cam Newton, but it wouldn’t be a shocker to see both get some playing time.
This one is going to be rough.
Full disclaimer: This is probably a game I’m avoiding betting on this week, but I’ll do my best to steer you in the right direction if you’re interested in wagering on this game.
Richard’s Prediction Picks Record: 11-14 (-0.10 units)
Please note that all NFL gameday odds are current as of 11 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 30.
Panthers vs Saints Prediction
It’s technically still unclear who the starting quarterback will be for the Saints, but let’s operate under the assumption that Hill will be under center for the Saints. For the Panthers, they have this plan to platoon the quarterbacks, it seems, but Cam Newton is — and it’s sad to say — simply washed up.
For the Saints, even with Hill, they will go up against a Panthers’ defense that is actually quite pesky, especially against the pass. Yes, they gave up more than 30 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Panthers’ offense did not help them whatsoever as Newton completed 7 of 13 passes for 61 yards and an interception while Sam Darnold did minimally better, completing 15 of 32 passes for 190 yards.
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Newton can still scamper a bit, but that also doesn’t look as polished as it once did, while Hill will run 10 or more times in any given game.
The Panthers’ defense should still be able to slow him down and the lack of offensive weapons should make it easier on the Panthers’ defense as opposed to last week.
Conversely, the Saints have a defense that should not be trifled with. According to Pro Football Focus, the Saints rank second in their defense power ranking.
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how the Panthers move the ball here. They have three quarterbacks on the roster - none of them can throw with any kind of certainty. Running back Chubba Hubbard has shown some spark, but he’s far from a gamechanger in this matchup.
The Saints will look to get Hill moving early and often, along with getting Alvin Kamara the ball and pulling out a low-scoring victory.
Prediction: Saints 14, Panthers 10
Panthers vs Saints Best Bets
Best Bet: Panthers +6.5 (-110) at FOX Bet
Wager: 0.25 Units
I cannot believe I am recommending wagering on the Panthers, but this is only because of how inept the Saints offense also is. Now, this game could get whacky in terms of the point differential due to the Saints defense annihilating whatever combination of quarterbacks the Panthers throw out there and turn those turnovers into points.
Unless there are some pick-sixes or fumble recoveries returned for a touchdown, it’s hard to imagine how either team moves the ball effectively against the opposing defense.
This game will be in New Orleans and in a dome so weather will not be a factor, but this is still going to be a slow-moving, unexciting game with limited offensive production from all of the skill position players.
Take the Panthers here, but keep in mind the only reason why is how bad the Saints offense also is.
Best Bet: Under 38 Total Points (-108) at TwinSpires
Wager: 0.25 Units
This goes back to what we talked about in the Panthers spread pick — minus some turnovers turning into points, these offenses are not going to be put up many points. Looking at the 14-10 prediction, even if you add in two defensive touchdowns, it will still land at 38 total points and push the total.
It almost feels improbable to wager the under on a game with a total under 40, but that is a true testament to how putrid this game will be.
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 17 Saints vs. Panthers Predictions! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL Week 17 Best Bets and NFL Week 17 Parlay Picks.
