Football Betting

NFC South - First Look at the Early Odds

Playing the division winners is always one of the most profitable options available to NFL fans.  If your a serious NFL follower, you already know which teams are set to do well, then through the course of training camp, pre-season games and the entirety of the season you will see numerous betting opportunities.

The NFL Training Camps haven’t even started but if fans are going to have a successful, profitable, 2009-2010 season, then they will need to start putting money down right now on which teams are going to win the respective divisions in the NFL.

The first division that we’ll take a look at is the NFC South where three teams are expected to battle for a divisional title and two actually look like they might have a shot at a conference title.

Let’s take a look at the teams who will be battling for the NFC South crown.

NFL: NFC South Preview To Win

1. New Orleans Saints +180 - - Drew Brees has had one of the greatest stretches in NFL history for a quarterback and should be even better this season when he gets a full strength Marques Colston back. If Devery Henderson can step it up, and Lance Moore continues to improve, the top three wide-outs in New Orleans might be the best in the NFL. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and former Pac-1o stand-out, Mike Bell, should provide a solid run game, but all gamblers know that the success of this team will depend on the schemes developed by Gregg Williams, the new defensive coordinator. Williams will have some parts to work with as the Saints have a talented front 7 that so far, with the exception of Jonathan Vilma, hasn’t lived up to it’s potential.

2. Carolina Panthers +225 - - Julius Peppers isn’t happy, but the DE hasn’t been all that good the past couple of years anyhow. A bigger issue is whether or not the Panthers’ front line can put enough pressure on the QBs in the NFC South, as a unit, to help their cornerbacks. Both Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall can get beat and the Saints and Falcons have the offensive weapons to do it. On offense, QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith are a year older. So is Muhsin Muhammed. This team could tail off big time after going 12 and 4 in 2008.

3. Atlanta Falcons +230 - - QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner won’t surprise anyone this season and the Falcons really didn’t improve too much in the WR department during the off-season. The biggest issue, a major issue, is at linebacker where the Falcons lost two starters. That just isn’t going to cut it in a division where defense will ultimately rule the day.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers +450 - - The odds on the Bucs to win the NFC South this year should be roughly 30 to 1. Luke McCown will be the starter at quarterback in Bucland. Really? Luke McCown? The defense isn’t nearly what it used to be and the Bucs enter this season with a new head coach. This team could win 3 games…okay, maybe 4...in 2009.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have no shot to win this division unless injuries decimate the Panthers, Falcons and Saints. Out of those three teams, the Panthers have the least chance of winning the division because Delhomme and Smith are a year older. Eventually, those injuries, both players have suffered quite a few, should take their toll. The days of wine and roses for Carolina are probably over as their defense just isn’t dominating, the schedule is tougher in 2009, and they just don’t look ready for this season. Atlanta is the sexy pick of many bettors and analysts to win the NFC South in 2009, but they don’t have the defense. I just can’t see a team losing two starting linebackers picking it up enough to beat the rest of this division. That leaves the New Orleans Saints who happen to be the favorite in the sportsbook. The offense will once against be ranked in the top 3 in almost every significant category. It’s the defense that Saints’ fans, and gamblers, have been worried about for some time. Well, don’t worry. With Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper coming over to solidify the defensive backfield, and Jonathan Vilma anchoring the front seven at the middle linebacker position, the Saints should be very solid as new defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, has been a success everywhere he’s gone. Ride the favorite in the NFC South is what I say.

Pick: New Orleans Saints

Panthers vs Giants Point Spread Analysis

  New York favored by a field goal

• WHO: Carolina Panthers at New York Giants (-3)
• WHAT: NFL betting
• WHEN: Sunday, December 21 at 8:15 p.m. ET
• WHERE: Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
• KEY STATS: Carolina has won three of its last four meetings with New York
• PICK: New York Giants

Sports wagering players will have their hands full this weekend, especially in the NFC where a huge NFL betting matchup is scheduled to take place. The defending Super Bowl champions from New York will be aiming for home-field advantage and a first-round bye this Sunday when they take on Carolina, and Panthers vs Giants odds have the home team as a three-point favorite.

The Panthers (11-3) held the NFL’s No. 2 offense to only 279 yards in a 30-10 rout of Denver at home, but Carolina didn’t just shine on the defensive end of the field.

Jake Delhomme was 17-of-26 for 253 yards, a touchdown and a pick, while Steve Smith caught nine passes for 165 yards and a major for the Panthers. Carolina has been praised for its running game lately, but with an elite player like Smith, it wouldn’t hurt to keep feeding him the ball as much as possible. He certainly helps Carolina with regard to the Panthers vs Giants spread.

The Giants (11-3) couldn’t get anything going on offense in a 20-8 loss at Dallas, gaining only 218 yards in total. Eli Manning had an awful game, going 18-of-35 for 191 yards and two picks, and New York couldn’t get its No. 2-ranked ground game into gear. Manning was also sacked eight times, which is a rarity behind his usually-stout offensive line.

The Panthers vs Giants line might have been quite different a few weeks ago, but New York has hit the skids thanks to a rash of injuries on offense, including the loss of stalwart receiver Plaxico Burress.

Panthers vs Giants odds give New York a three-point betting edge at home. The Giants’ 27-13 win in Carolina in 2006 ended a three-game losing skid to the Panthers. Both teams are ranked in the Top-10 in defense and in the Top-12 in total offense, so they match up really well together.

This game will go down to the wire, and the Giants are praying running back Brandon Jacobs will be healthy enough to go after missing the Dallas game.

STAN’S PICK: All three of Carolina’s losses have come away from home, which is a bad sign against a team that is 6-1 at home. Bet online with the New York Giants to snatch the top spot in the NFC en route to their title defense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Point Spread Preview

Two of the elite teams in the NFC do battle on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, and BetUS sports betting customers will get their chance to sink their teeth into all of the great action when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3, 7-5 ATS) invade Bank of America Stadium to do battle with the Carolina Panthers (9-3, 6-5-1 ATS) in an NFC south brawl.

Earlier this season, the Bucs held serve by embarrassing the Panthers at home by a 27-3 final count as 2.5-point chalks. The last time these squads met in Charlotte resulted in a 20-7 Bucs victory, but aside from those two wins, Tampa Bay is just 1-8 SU against the teal and black since 2003.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Bucs picked up their ninth victory of the season by beating the New Orleans Saints 23-20. QB Jeff Garcia only completed nine passes for 119 yards and a score, and the offense managed just 254 yards of total offense.

Once again, the intriguing story was all about head coach Jon Gruden’s defense. Jermaine Phillips, Phillip Buchanon, and Cato June all intercepted QB Drew Brees once, and the front seven held the Saints to just 2.44 yards per carry. Though Tampa Bay notched its fourth straight victory, Buccaneers sports betting fell short of the pointspread victory by the dreaded hook.

‘Under’ bettors have been rolling around in their profits since October, as they are now 6-2 ATS in the L/8 Tampa Bay games. With a win on Monday, Tampa Bay will get its magic number down to two between its wins and Carolina losses to win its second straight NFC South crown.

The Panthers will be hoping to stop Tampa Bay from sweeping the season series between these two teams and take the one-game lead in the South themselves. They kept pace with the Bucs by posting a tremendous 35-31 win at Green Bay last Sunday afternoon. The day belonged to RB DeAngelo Williams, who had four one-yard touchdown runs. The third year Memphis product totaled 86 yards from scrimmage, and now leads the team with 958 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns.

After rolling off six straight ‘unders’ earlier in the season, Carolina has now played in three straight ‘over’ games. ‘Over’ bettors have cashed their tickets by an average of over three touchdowns per game, and have beaten the number by at least two scores in all three outings. This week will be Carolina’s second home game since October 26th.

Oddsmakers have installed the Panthers as slender 3-point home favorites, with the ‘total’ coming in at 38.5.

Over the past two seasons, the Bucs have dominated the NFC South, going 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS. Their loss in New Orleans in the first week of the season was the first road defeat in division play since 2006. The Panthers aren’t slouches either, as they’re 8-5 ATS in their L/13 divisional games, and have already beaten New Orleans and Atlanta at home this season by a combined score of 55-16.

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers Point Spread Analysis

Two teams coming off surprising, impressive road wins will clash on Sunday when the Carolina Panthers (1-0 SU & ATS) play host to the Chicago Bears (1-0 SU & ATS) in an NFL contest that is set to get underway at 1 PM ET on Sunday at the Bank of America Stadium (natural turf) in Charlotte,. NC.

Sunday, September 14

BetUS NFL betting odds: CAROLINA -3, Total 37

NOTABLE STAT: Chicago has scored one point for every 11 yards gained

KEY NFL FOOTBALL BETTING TREND: Bears are 15-8 SU in their last 23 road games

In the BetUS NFL betting odds, the Panthers are listed as a three-point favorite, with a posted total of 37 points.

Here are some NFL betting trends as they relate to this matchup (reflecting numbers going into the 2008 season):

* CHI has covered four of its last five games

* CHI has covered five of its last seven road games

* CHI has won 15 of its last 23 road games SU

* CHI has played four of its last six road games UNDER the total

* CAR has covered five of its last six games

* CAR has won four of its last six games SU

* CAR has played four of its last six games OVER the total

* CAR has covered three of its last ten home games

* CAR has lost eight of its last ten home games SU

* CAR has played six of its last seven home games UNDER the total

Also...

* CAR has covered three of the last four meetings

* Three of the last four meetings have gone OVER the total

There has to be nothing but optimism coming out of each of these camps after the results from this past Sunday, as both went on the road to beat bona fide playoff teams.

Last week, Carolina took advantage of a key San Diego turnover and converted it into a Chris Gamble touchdown, then got a nail-biting, closing drive out of comebacking quarterback Jake Delhomme to eke out a 26-24 win at San Diego. The Panthers got 142 yards on the ground, no doubt encouraging for a team that wanted to balance its offense and get a lot more hard-nosed coming into the season.

Meanwhile, Chicago, which went through a mediocre 7-9 season in 2007, inserted Kyle Orton in place of Rex Grossman at quarterback and did even better than Carolina on the ground, getting 123 yards and a 50-yard touchdown run out of rookie Matt Forte in beating back rusty Peyton Manning and the Colts. Meanwhile, Chicago's defense showed some of the snarl that made it such a force in the past, holding Indianapolis to just 53 rushing yards.

So, who is more likely to make the winning plays in this one? Well, the technical numbers might suggest the Bears, who have won 15 of their last 23 games on the road, while the Panthers, who are usually more comfy in the role of the underdog, have actually lost eight of their last ten at home.

Still, we like Carolina and its two-fisted running attack (D'Angelo Williams, who had 86 yards in the opener, along with rookie Jonathan Stewart), powered by an offensive line that opened things up for a 4.9-yard average and allowed Delhomme to be sacked only once. And now that Jake appears to be recovered from "Tommy John" surgery, he's ready to stretch the field a little more than his less experienced counterpart, Kyle Orton, even without Steve Smith in the lineup (serving the second game of his two-game suspension).

Please excuse us if we keep the jury out on Orton, who will need a repeat performance from Forte to give him the balance he'll need to make plays. Let's lay the points with the Carolina Panthers, the three-point favorite in the BetUS NFL football betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: CAROLINA -3 **

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

NFL Betting - Week 6 Odds, Point Spread and Lines

by DS Williamson

The sixth week of the NFL is upon us and by now the trends have been firmly set.  There are twelve more betting weeks in the NFL season.  It’s never too late to get into the action at BetUS!

Here are this weekend’s best match-ups:

Oakland Raiders (+10) vs. San Diego Chargers (-10) - The Chargers served notice to the rest of the NFL by man-handling the Denver Broncos on the road last Sunday.  They beat the Broncos by almost 40 points.  But, the Raiders get back their top runner Dominick Rhodes from a four-game suspension and are coming off a bye week.  The Raiders play both the run and pass well and the Chargers might have trouble getting up for a game in which many Raider fans make the trip down south from the Black Hole.  Expect the Raiders to put up a nice fight in this one.  The trend in the past couple of years has been that the Raiders cover on the road when the spread is larger than a touchdown.  This year Oakland actually brings a tough team to San Diego.  The BetUS against the spread line is Raiders + 10.  Take them to beat that!

Tennessee Titans (+3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) – The Bucs came back to earth last weekend by a spanking from the Colts.  The Titans had to play tough to take out Atlanta at home, but they did exactly what they were supposed to do.  The trend favors the Bucs who are the home team and definitely deserve the 3 point NFL against the spread traditional “respect” line.  But, the Bucs don’t have Carnell Williams or Michael Pittman and Jeff Garcia is coming off his worst outing of the year.  I’m not sold on the Bucs as a real team yet as their two best games have come against NFC South also-rans, the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.  The strongest trend in the NFL the past two years has been betting against an NFC team against a tough AFC team.  Expect that trend to hold in this game and take the Titans and the 3 points.

Washington Redskins (+3) vs. Green Bay Packers (- 3) – The reverse trend for the Green Bay Packers held water all season until they gave up 27 points to the Chicago Bears and got beat on the square at Lambeau Field last week.  Did that game signal a reverse-reverse trend?  Maybe.  In the past two years, the Packers have been a solid play against, no matter whether they are giving points or getting points.  Now, they get to play a Washington Redskins team that showed guts, heart, determination, and the ability to take out one of the top offenses in the NFL when they throttled the Detroit Lions last Sunday.  However, the greatest trend in Washington Redskins’ history is that the Lions are 0 – 20, make that 0 – 21, on the road against the Redskins.  So, there isn’t a lot to go by from last Sunday’s game.  The truth is that when it comes to the quarterbacks Brett Favre is much better than Jason Campbell right now.  That means the Packers cover the – 3 BetUS against the spread.

Carolina Panthers (projected +5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (projected - 5) – This line may change dramatically because Jake Delhomme is out for the season.  So, in fact, is Matte Leinart for the Cardinals. Kurt Warner, former MVP of the NFL, might actually play better for the Cardinals if he is allowed to start.  But, that’s not the only problem for the Panthers. The problem for the Panthers in this game will be if wide receiver Anquan Boldin, for the Arizona Cardinals, makes it back from injury. If he does, expect the Cardinals to light up the scoreboard against a Panther secondary that just isn’t very good.  The Saints had numerous opportunities against the Panther secondary last Sunday, but failed to capitalize. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are not Devery Henderson and David Patten, and the Cardinals will roll no matter what the BetUS line ends up being.  Stay tuned for this one!

New England Patriots (projected – 6) at Dallas Cowboys (projected + 6) – What a game!  Two of the best offensive teams in football square off in Texas Stadium as the Cowboys take on the Patriots. There will be a lot of talk about how the Patriots are due to fall off the wagon, but the truth about this game is that the Patriots’ defense is much more superior to the Cowboy’s defense.  The Cowboys only real chance of winning this is to slow the game down and then to keep the Patriots from getting touches.  That won’t happen as the Patriots bring too many weapons to this dance and finally NFL bettors get a nice line to work with regarding the Patriots.  Heck, because it’s the Cowboys, and they’re home, the BetUS against the spread may go all the way down to the Patriots – 3.  That would be an excellent wager as the Patriots have been beating tough AFC teams while the Cowboys have been beating up on soft NFC and AFC teams.  No way the ‘Boys can stop Randy Moss, Tom Brady, and the rest of the Patriots’ offense.

Trends to Watch For:

Jacksonville is 12 – 1 against the spread when they score 22 to 28 or more points

Indianapolis is 10 – 3 against the spread when both teams score more than 20 points

Pittsburgh is 28 – 8 against the spread vs. good passing teams.

Dallas is 1 – 13 against the spread at home when the total line is greater than 44 points

Seattle is 4 – 12 against the spread after failing to cover the spread in two out of their last three games

The 2007 NFL betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS Sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLII and beyond!

Carolina Panther vs New Orleans Saints Betting Stats

If you like this kind of information please leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Thanks.

CAROLINA PANTHERS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 2-2         October        7, 1:00 PM        | Turf of Louisiana Superdome 0-3

RECENT FORM TEAM SU ATS OU OFF DEF Carolina 2-2 2-2 2-2 20.5 21.8 New Orleans 0-3 0-3 1-2 12.7 34.3

SMART CHART CAR   TEAM   NO 20.5 PTS FOR   12.7 21.8 PTS AGNST   34.3 -1.3 DIFF.   -21.7 190.8   PASS YDS 216.3 131.5 RUSH YDS   79.7 229.0 PASS D   239.0 118.8   RUSH D 116.3 0.3   TO DIFF 2.7

INJURIES CAROLINA PLAYER POS DESCRIPTION Jake Delhomme QB Missed Thursday Practice (right elbow) Nick Goings RB Missed Thursday Practice (concussion)   Dan Morgan LB Missed Thursday Practice (ankle)   Adam Seward LB Missed Thursday Practice (calf) NEW ORLEANS PLAYER POS DESCRIPTION Deuce McAllister RB Out For Season (knee) Jason David CB Missed Thursday Practice (forearm)   Scott Fujita LB Missed Thursday Practice (ankle)   Olindo Mare K Missed Thursday Practice (groin)   Jay Bellamy S Limited Thursday Practice (ankle)   Kendrick Clancy DT Limited Thursday Practice (toe)   David Patten WR Limited Thursday Practice (calf)

BETTING TRENDS CAROLINA Carolina is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 9 games Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road Carolina is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Orleans The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing New Orleans Carolina is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans NEW ORLEANS New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games New Orleans is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games New Orleans is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home New Orleans is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games at home New Orleans is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Carolina The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Carolina New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Carolina The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina

HEAD TO HEAD SUMMARY TEAM SU ATS OU PTS RYDS YPR PA PC% PYDS TOTY TO Carolina 7-3 5-5 4-6 22.5 134.6 4.3 30.9 61.5 203.4 338.0 1.5 New Orleans 3-7 5-5 4-6 18.7 99.4 3.9 32.3 57.6 214.5 313.9 2.1 HEAD TO HEAD DETAIL DATE DAY AWAY PTS HOME PTS T/G HOMELINE ATS RY PY TY TO RY PY TY TO 12/31/2006 Sun CAR 31 NO 21 T 2/38½ CAR/O 106 207 313 0 61 236 297 2 10/01/2006 Sun NO 18 CAR 21 G -7/41 NO/U 63 344 407 1 167 157 324 0 12/18/2005 Sun CAR 27 NO 10 G 9½/40 CAR/U 161 165 326 2 94 183 277 6 09/11/2005 Sun NO 23 CAR 20 G -6½/44½ NO/U 101 190 291 2 141 209 350 4 01/02/2005 Sun NO 21 CAR 18 G -7½/46 NO/U 164 196 360 0 46 274 320 3 12/05/2004 Sun CAR 32 NO 21 T 2/46½ CAR/O 132 269 401 0 30 250 280 3 10/26/2003 Sun CAR 23 NO 20 T -2½/39½ CAR/O 223 145 368 0 104 190 294 3 10/05/2003 Sun NO 13 CAR 19 G -7/37½ NO/U 155 189 344 1 185 124 309 1 12/29/2002 Sun CAR 10 NO 6 T -6½/43½ CAR/U 85 188 273 3 125 119 244 3 11/10/2002 Sun NO 34 CAR 24 G 4½/40½ NO/O 97 248 345 0 100 296 396 2

TEAMS LAST 5 GAMES
CAROLINA | GAME LOGS
DATE	DAY	OPPONENT	SCORE	SU	LINE	ATS	ORY	OPY	OTY	DRY	DPY	DTY	TO +/-
09/30/2007	Sun	TB	7-20	L	-3/39	L/U	99	137	236	189	176	365	-1
09/23/2007	Sun	at ATL	27-20	W	-4/38½	W/O	175	138	313	91	351	442	2
09/16/2007	Sun	HOU	21-34	L	-6½/38½	L/O	66	287	353	119	227	346	-2
09/09/2007	Sun	at STL	27-13	W	1/43	W/U	186	201	387	76	162	238	0
08/30/2007	Thu	PIT	3-19	L	-3½/34	L/U	87	202	289	118	23	141	-6
NEW ORLEANS | GAME LOGS
DATE	DAY	OPPONENT	SCORE	SU	LINE	ATS	ORY	OPY	OTY	DRY	DPY	DTY	TO +/-
09/24/2007	Mon	TEN	14-31	L	-4½/46½	L/U	34	218	252	98	186	284	-4
09/16/2007	Sun	at TB	14-31	L	-5½/41½	L/O	99	244	343	87	243	330	-2
09/06/2007	Thu	at IND	10-41	L	5½/53½	L/U	106	187	293	164	288	452	-2
08/30/2007	Thu	MIA	7-0	W	10/38	W/U	167	159	326	62	59	121	2
08/23/2007	Thu	at KC	30-7	W	2/37	W/P	197	282	479	54	99	153	0

SUPERGRID
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER BREAKDOWN		RANK		RANK
Carolina's Overall Scoring vs New Orleans's Overall Defense	20.5	16	34.3	32
Carolina's Road Passing vs New Orleans's Home Defense	169.5	23	186.0	11
Carolina's Road Rushing vs New Orleans's Home Defense	180.5	5	98.0	14
New Orleans's Overall Scoring vs Carolina's Overall Defense	12.7	30	21.8	17
New Orleans's Home Passing vs Carolina's Road Passing Defense	218.0	16	256.5	25
New Orleans's Home Rushing vs Carolina's Road Rushing Defense	34.0	32	83.5	10

TEAM WEATHER AND NEWS CAROLINA Game Logs | Charlotte Observer NEW ORLEANS Game Logs | Times Picayune New Orleans, LA   Get the 10 day forecast   Severe Weather   Hurricane Central   Interstate Forecast   Local Festivals 78 °F Cloudy Feels Like: 78°F Humidity: 86% Wind:  ESE at 11 mph Free Weather Alerts All league weather and news

POWER STATS YARDS PER POINT TEAM OFF DEF DIFF Carolina 15.7 16.0 -0.3 New Orleans 23.4 10.3 13.0 YARDS PER PASS TEAM OFF DEF DIFF Carolina 5.8 6.6 -0.8 New Orleans 5.0 10.0 -5.0 YARDS PER RUSH TEAM OFF DEF DIFF Carolina 4.6 4.0 0.5 New Orleans 3.5 3.7 -0.2

Early look at several Over/Under Lines

by Laffit

Here's my thoughts on the over/under bets for week 5.

Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints        43.5 O/U

The Saints have struggled to stop anyone this season, or last season either.  Carolina has a solid running attack with two effective backs which they will use to set up their play action attack with Steve Smith.  This has the look of the Saints doing a lot of guess work (blitzing) against the Panther offense, but Carr has never really shown the ability to beat the blitz effectively. So look for the Panthers to grind the clock down and possibly hit a couple big plays with Smith, not a huge offensive explosion. 
The Saints will be forced to use Reggie Bush more than they want and have no one to pick up the short yardage they will occasionally need.  I'm not sure the bye week did anything but apply more pressure to to Saints.  This is not the same fortunate team from last year and they will struggle without the leader, Duece.

Go against public opinion and lean on under 43.5

- New Orleans begins the task of digging out from an 0-3 hole Sunday when they host Carolina in an NFC South battle. They will do it without Deuce McAllister and with questions about whether Reggie Bush is the man for fulltime work.

Oddsmakers currently have the Saints listed as 3-point favorites versus the Panthers, while the game's total is sitting at 45.

The Panthers lost to Tampa Bay 20-7 as a 3-point favorite in Week 4. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (39).

David Carr completed 19-of-41 passes for 155 yards with a touchdown and an interception and DeAngelo Williams caught three passes for 37 yards with a touchdown.

The Saints lost 31-14 to the Titans in Week 3, as 4.5-point favorites at the Superdome. The combined 46 points fell just UNDER the posted total of 46.5.

Drew Brees threw for 225 yards and completed 29-of-45 pass attempts, while tossing four interceptions in the loss. Reggie Bush carried the ball seven times and ran in for two touchdowns.

Current streak:
New Orleans has lost 3 straight games.

Team records:
Carolina: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
New Orleans: 0-3 SU, 0-3 ATS

Carolina most recently:
When playing in October are 7-3
When playing on turf are 7-3
After being outgained are 6-4
When playing within the division are 8-2

New Orleans most recently:
When playing in October are 4-6
When playing on turf are 5-5
After being outgained are 4-6
When playing within the division are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Carolina is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina

Next up:
Carolina at Arizona, Sunday, October 14
New Orleans at Seattle, Sunday, October 14