NFL Week 9 Previews and Predictions, Part 1: Thursday Night Game

Thursday, October 30th

 New Orleans Saints (3-4) @  Carolina Panthers (3-4-1)

8:25 pm ET @ Bank of America Stadium (CBS/NFLN)

Although this does not sounds like the most entertaining match-up, don’t let the records deceive you. New Orleans marching into Charlotte after a dominating win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Drew Brees went 27 for 32 for 311 yards and 3 TDs. His main target of the night, rookie WR Brandin Cooks, caught 6 passes for 94 yards and a TD. He was one of 5 receivers with at least 4 catches in the game. But the man that shinned the most, and completely exposed the Green Bay defense, was RB Mark Ingram. On 24 carries, the 4th year man out of Alabama ran for 172 yards and tacked on a TD on top of that.

Carolina wasn’t as fortunate. In what was clearly a defensive battle, Carolina lost a tough one against Seattle, who late in the 4th quarter drove down the field and scored the game winning touchdown on a 23-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Luke Wilson. The final score ended at 13-9, in favor of Seattle. Cam Newton had a tough day, going 12 for 22, 171 yards passing and 1 INT. It’s apparent that the squad has had a tough time since losing Greg Hardy and despite the record, still hold a very slim lead over New Orleans for the division lead. Their one sliver of hope lies in rookie Kelvin Benjamin, who despite the overall team disaster, has been able to put up good numbers for Carolina.

FINAL PREDICTION

It has been a struggle to decide who would be the best candidate to win this primetime match-up but I really like New Orleans in this game. With the struggles Carolina has had and the huge game New Orleans had vs Green Bay, I believe that the NFC South will have a new leader after tonight.

SAINTS 27, Panthers 21

Photo Credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America