How do you see this one playing out? Here are our staff picks and predictions for Week 10's grudge match between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. An early lead on the NFC South title is on the line between two teams that just might be the best squads in the NFL's worst division. Getting a win is always important, but it could be crucial as the Saints look to keep their season alive and attack the back half of their schedule.
Saints 25, Panthers 24
This should be a close one; we've got an overachieving Panthers team running up against a Saints team that can't figure out how to play with a lead. New Orleans has gotten the better of Bryce Young over the years and they did sweep Carolina last season but we'll have to see if that translates. If the Panthers can take
advantage of a beaten-up Saints offensive line (they'll be without Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy and first-round right tackle Taliese Fuaga, with rookie fourth-round pick Jeremiah Wright starting at right guard), it'll be a long afternoon for Tyler Shough. We'll guess the return of Travis Etienne Jr. at running back and Jordyn Tyson's emergence at wide receiver makes enough of a difference to win the day.
Bold prediction: This game goes to overtime, too, but Tyson comes down with the game-winning score. -- John Sigler
Saints 31, Panthers 17
Despite Carolina's lofty ranking against the pass, I love the matchup in favor of the Saints. The right side of the New Orleans line is a huge concern, but I think the Saints can run the ball with some success to their left and set up some play-action shots for Tyler Shough. The Saints just have too many quality pass catchers for the Panthers, and it'll show. On defense, New Orleans has always had great success against Bryce Young. That'll continue on Sunday, with Chase Young and Carl Granderson harassing Bryce all day and hopefully a rebound performance from the New Orleans secondary. The Panthers could have some success on the ground with Chuba Hubbard, but they won't be able to keep pace with the New Orleans offense.
Bold prediction: Tyler Shough gets his first 300-yard passing game since opening week, as both Chris Olave and rookie Jordyn Tyson have over 100 receiving yards. -- Bob Rose
Panthers 27, Saints 20
The Saints struggle to sustain drives and Olave’s big afternoon isn’t enough to overcome missed opportunities. Bryce Young makes enough plays to keep Carolina ahead, forcing New Orleans to play catch-up in the second half. The Panthers get a late defensive stop to seal the win and leave the Saints searching for their first stretch of consecutive wins this season.
Bold prediction: Chris Olave eclipses 150 receiving yards despite the loss. -- Arye Pulli
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Staff picks for Saints-Panthers with final scores and bold predictions
