Week 15 of the NFL season concludes with the Carolina Panthers hosting the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. After beating their NFC South rivals three times last year, the Saints are 6-point road favorites over Carolina.
New Orleans has already wrapped up the NFC South title. However, they are going to keep their foot on the gas late in the season as they try to secure home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. With the Rams losing last week, the Saints hold the tiebreaker between the two 11-2 teams. If New Orleans wins their final three games, they’ll be the top seed in the NFC.
On the other hand, Carolina’s late-season losing streak is now at five games, dropping them to 6-7 on the season. Despite being winless since early November, the Panthers are just half a game behind the Vikings for the final wild-card spot in the NFC. They are several other teams in the mix, but Carolina still has a chance to make the playoffs if they can’t get things turned around.
Something Isn’t Right
All is not well with Carolina quarterback Cam Newton. The shoulder that was operated on less than two years ago is nowhere close to 100%. Exactly how not close to 100% is up for debate. But the Panthers have no downfield passing game and Newton has thrown eight interceptions during the team’s five-game losing streak. Outside of running the ball with Christian McCaffrey or short passes to the second-year running back, the Carolina offense is quite limited.
As good as McCaffrey has been this year, the Panthers need more, especially against the New Orleans defense. Much like last year, the Saints are coming on strong defensively late in the year. The New Orleans defense is conceding just 3.6 yards per carry on the ground and has held their last five opponents to 17 points or less.
Suddenly Average
It’s only two games, but the New Orleans offense has looked slightly less dynamic the past couple of weeks. Somehow, the Cowboys were able to hold them to just 10 points in their recent loss, and last week, the Saints scored just 28 points (more than six below their season average) against a bad Tampa Bay defense. The Saints remain dangerous offensively, but they’ve struggled to find a viable no. 2 receiver to complement Michael Thomas. After a 10-catch outing against the Eagles, rookie Tre’Quan Smith has failed to catch a pass in two straight games.
That should create some optimism for the Panthers heading into Monday’s game. However, the Carolina defense has turned into a rather average unit. They have struggled to stop the run and have only a modest pass rush. Carolina has conceded 30 points per game during their losing streak, so they should still have their hands full with the Saints.
C’est la Vie
This may be Carolina’s last stand if they hope to reach the playoffs. To their credit, their last four losses have all come by a touchdown or less. But facing the Saints is different from facing other teams. With limitations offensively, it’s tough to see the Panthers keeping pace with New Orleans for four quarters. Bet on the Saints covering the 6-point spread on Monday night.
