NFL Sportsbook – Saints Look To Get Back On Track

After kicker Garrett Hartley missed a crucial overtime field goal opportunity in last weekend’s 27-24 overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in a three-way tie for the top spot in the NFC South with both the Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The NFL odds makers are as surprised as anyone that Tampa Bay is in the mix.

The one team from that division without a win is the Carolina Panthers, who travel to the Superdome this Sunday trying to stay optimistic before their contest against the defending Super Bowl champions. 

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Sunday October 3, 2010 – 1:00 PM ET

Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Broadcast: FOX

NFL Sportsbook Odds: New Orleans – 13.5

Total: 44

Carolina can’t seem to find the recipe for success, and with rookie first round pick Jimmy Clausen under center, Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees could play the role of tutor as he airs it out. 

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NFL Sportsbook Betting: What The Panthers Will Have To Do To Win 

Carolina will need to find its rhythm on offense to have any chance in this game. Despite boasting two of the best playmakers in the NFL in running back DeAngelo Williams and wide receiver Steve Smith, the Panthers have been unable to get anything going, and it doesn’t appear as though Clausen is the answer just yet. Without any consistency on offense, the defense has been all but hung to dry, and that could continue this weekend against a talented New Orleans Saints’ team looking to bounce back in a major way in front of their home crowd. 

NFL Sportsbook Betting: What The Saints Will Have To Do To Win 

The Saints would still be perfect if it wasn’t for a missed field goal, and while New Orleans still loves the man that kicked them in to the Super Bowl a year ago, the team has brought in veteran John Carney as insurance. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for a season-high 365 yards and three touchdowns in the loss, but a similar performance this week should return the Saints to their winning ways. The key to New Orleans’ success last year and again early this year has been the defense’s ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Saints were fast to get to Brett Favre in a win over the Minnesota Vikings week one, but didn’t look as fast against the San Francisco 49ers, and needed a late score to prevail over a team that is currently winless. The pressure continues to slow against Atlanta, ultimately costing them the game. 

NFL Sportsbook Betting: Outlook & Pick 

The tandem of head coach Sean Payton and Brees are among the best in the NFL at digesting film, and coming out strong the following week. There is no reason to think that won’t continue this week with the Saints marching all over the Panthers in front of the hometown fans, and 13.5 may still not be enough to take Carolina Panthers. 

NFL Sportsbook Pick: Saints -13.5