Last week brought challenges for both teams, with the Saints falling to the Chargers 26-8 and the Panthers suffering a 28-14 defeat against the Broncos. In terms of offensive performance, the Saints rank 21st overall, with 21st in rushing and 19th in passing yards, while scoring touches place them 17th. The Panthers, struggling even more, are ranked 29th in overall offense with 25th in rushing, 30th in passing, and tied for 29th in scoring. On the defensive side, the Saints are 13th overall, severely lacking against the run at 26th, while their pass defense is tied for 8th but has allowed 26 points per game. Meanwhile, the Panthers sit at the bottom in several categories, including a dismal 32nd overall in defense.
In individual performances, Saints quarterback Derek Carr is a player to keep an eye on. His return could be crucial for the team, especially after he went down with an oblique injury in Week 5. Before his injury, Carr had a completions percentage of 70.3%, totaling 989 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. In his absence, the Saints have averaged just 15 points per game. Running back Alvin Kamara remains a key offensive factor, tallying 812 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns this season.
For the Panthers, wide receiver Xavier Legette is emerging as a crucial player, especially following the trade of their No. 1 wideout Diontae Johnson to the Ravens. Legette, who was a first-round draft pick from South Carolina, recorded his third touchdown of the season during the last game and has shown promising performance with 22 receptions ranking sixth among NFL rookies, along with 211 receiving yards.
A significant matchup to look forward to is between Carr and the Panthers’ secondary. As he re-enters the field for the first time since Week 5, Carr will aim to snap the Saints’ six-game losing streak. He had a strong outing in the Saints’ Week 1 victory against the Panthers, throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers’ defense will be tested as they have already allowed 17 touchdown passes this season, tying for the highest in the league.
Injury updates reveal that the Saints are dealing with several sidelined players, including top cornerback Marshon Lattimore and running back Kendre Miller, both hindered by hamstring injuries. They also face issues with rookie wide receiver Bub Means (ankle) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip). Conversely, the Panthers are optimistic about the return of veteran receiver Adam Thielen, who has been absent for five weeks due to a hamstring injury, and are uncertain if rookie running back Jonathan Brooks will make his NFL debut.
Historically, the Saints have been dominant against the Panthers, winning all three encounters against quarterback Bryce Young, achieving large margins in the last two games. Since 2017, New Orleans has won 12 of their 17 meetings. Statistically, Carr remains unbeaten against Carolina, with eight touchdowns and only three interceptions in five career starts against them, and he notably crossed 40,000 passing yards in his first 11 seasons.
Kamara continues to set records, being on track to surpass Marshall Faulk for the most receptions by a running back in his first eight seasons, while wide receiver Chris Olave recorded a season-high performance of 107 receiving yards last week. Linebacker Demario Davis has made notable contributions with sacks against Carolina in past matches. For the Panthers, backup quarterback Andy Dalton is sidelined due to a thumb injury, which complicates their quarterback situation.
As the Panthers prepare for a future game in Munich against the New York Giants, they will be looking to find solace in less adverse contests. Fantasy owners could find this matchup an opportunity for Saints players like Kamara, Olave, and Taysom Hill to elevate their performances, as the Panthers’ defense has struggled historically to prevent points.