Saints vs. Panthers: Early Week 6 predictions
If the New Orleans Saints are to win the NFC South in 2016, you sure as heck better believe they’ll just about need to pull off a season series sweep against the Carolina Panthers. Their Week 6 matchup in New Orleans is crucial for that reason.
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As we all know, Carolina swept the Saints last season, though the Panthers barely beat the Luke McCown-led Saints in Week 3. Even then, Josh Norman had to bail them out with a last-minute interception in the redzone.
In their Week 13 meeting, the Panthers won 41-38. So you know how Drew Brees always dices up their defense. The great news is there’s no way Cam Newton repeats his MVP season, and the additions of Sheldon Rankins and James Laurinaitis promise to bring more pressure on Super Cam.
With a revamped defense and Josh Norman out of the way, the Saints will have no problem going toe-to-toe with the Panthers. Again, the Saints almost beat Carolina both games last year. Imagine this team without Norman to deal with. Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead will have field days. Plus Coby Fleener will give problem over the middle.
I have the Saints going 3-1 through their first four, and luckily for them, Week 5 is a bye. That gives them two weeks to prepare for Carolina, who’ll be coming off a Monday night game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints, now built to beat the Panthers, will take advantage of more time off with a win.
Prediction: Saints 31, Panthers 30
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