NFL Week 10 Free Pick Consensus: Panthers vs Saints Prediction

NFL Week 10 Free Pick Consensus: Handicappers Back Saints Against Panthers

Several professional handicappers are backing New Orleans against the spread in Sunday's NFC South matchup, although the Panthers have supporters of their own.

The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers enter Sunday's divisional showdown with identical 3-5 records, but several professional handicappers believe the Saints have the edge at home.

Why Handicappers Like the Saints

New Orleans has won two of its last three games, including a 23-22 overtime victory against Cleveland. Quarterback Tyler Shough has thrown for 1,986 yards and 14 touchdowns, while receiver Chris Olave has 56 receptions for 734 yards. Saints' coach Kellen Moore is finally getting Some of his firepower back on offense, with running back Travis Etienne returning to the lineup this afternoon.

Handicapping legend Jim Feist adds that the Saints' pass rush could be the difference. Carolina quarterback Bryce Young has been sacked nine times over his last two games, while New Orleans averages 2.9 sacks per contest.

Recent History Backs the Home Team

This a pivotal game for sole possession of first place in the NFC South, adding an extra aspect to this . New Orleans has won five of the last six meetings between these NFC South rivals, including two outright upsets last season. 

The Panthers are on a three-game losing streak, during which they averaged just 17.7 points scored while allowing 32.0 points per game. and the Saints are trending in the opposite direction winning two of their last three games, including a nice win last week vs the Browns.

The Free Pick Consensus

The case for New Orleans centers on its improving offense, the expected return of Etienne and a pass rush that could create problems for Bryce Young. Both teams give up a lot of yards on the ground yielding potential run-game opportunities for Chuba Hubbard, Etienne and both backfields.

The Pick: New Orleans Saints -2