Thursday Night Football: Saints At Panthers Predictions
By Erik Lambert
Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked as Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) comes from the left and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (41) holds Brees
A huge divisional matchup highlights Week 9 of Thursday Night Football. Who wins between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers?
Subplots
Drew Brees must win on the road to gain division lead
Despite both the Saints and Panthers having losing record, the two teams meet in Week 9 with a chance to take command of the NFC South division. The challenge may be more difficult for Drew Brees and New Orleans. Though they come off a huge win over Green Bay, that was in the safety of the Superdome. Whenever he’s been away from there, Brees has struggled and the Panthers defense seemed to gain some traction last week against Seattle.
Key Matchup
Keenan Lewis against Kelvin Benjamin
Part of the reason New Orleans is having such a hard time is their defense. They haven’t truly stopped anybody all season, especially through the air. Though they did win last week, Aaron Rodgers posted 418 yards. Now they must contend with flourishing Carolina rookie receiver Kelvin Benjamin. It will be up to top corner Keenan Lewis to shut the 6’5″ monster down and force Cam Newton to beat them another way, otherwise this game could get out of hand.
Fantasy Players To Watch
Mark Ingram – RB
Was his breakout last week a sign of finally coming around or a mirage? Mark Ingram trampled the Packers for over 170 yards in Week 8 but then again the Pack have struggled all season stopping the run. Ingram will have to prove it again, and the Carolina Panthers have some talented linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. No easy task.
Jonathan Stewart – RB
On the other side, the Panthers running game has been a shambles most of the season due to injuries. Their best option has been Jonathan Stewart, and nothing has come easy for a team that usually could run the ball blindfolded. As much as they want to throw, Carolina needs to stay committed to the ground in order to help the defense against Brees. That means heavy doses of Stewart for all four quarters.
Pick: NO 23, CAR 24