Saints at Panthers: Week 2 Score Predictions

The New Orleans Saints are looking for their first 2-0 start since the 2013 season. We think they can earn it.

Back to prime time go the New Orleans Saints as they travel to Charlotte, N.C. to take on the division rival Carolina Panthers. The Saints have the chance to go undefeated over the first two weeks of an NFL regular season for the first time since 2013. Beyond that, this is also a chance to win a Week 2 matchup for the first time since 2018, and snag their first victory at Bank of America Stadium since 2020. 

The Panthers are going to make things difficult with their talented rookie quarterback Bryce Young and a fierce run game that piled on 154 rushing yards in Week 1. They will also present the Saints’ most questioned unit, the offensive line, with a dynamic pass rush led by edge defender Brian Burns and defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Despite the challenges they may present, the Saints News Network team feels confident New Orleans can pull off a comfortable victory under the lights of Monday Night Football. 

Kyle T. Mosley - Saints 27, Panthers 17

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (30) dances as he walks the hashmarks before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Week 2 battles have not been friendly to New Orleans over the years. On Monday night, I expect the Saints to rectify their troubles and gain a crucial NFC South win to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) and Atlanta Falcons (2-0) in the divisional race. Derek Carr and his wideouts will again have impactful moments in Carolina. Keep an eye on running back Jamaal Williams in the second half. Ultimately, New Orleans' defense will shut down the Panthers' rookie quarterback.

Bob Rose - Saints 30, Panthers 14

Pass protection and run blocking could be a major issue again for the Saints’ offensive line. If they improve even a little over last week, I see the New Orleans pass-catchers having their way with Carolina's injured secondary. 

On defense, the Saints look like they will have a major edge at every level. The leaders on this team were hopefully reminding the locker room how listless they were the last two times the Saints traveled to Carolina. Unless that happens again, New Orleans should roll in front of a national audience. 

John Hendrix - Saints 27, Panthers 17

Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Demario Davis (56), right, congratulates defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) after a sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in the second quarter at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans will learn from their Week 1 shortfalls and have a much better showing on offense. The run game may not be perfect, but it will be better. The pass protection will have their hands full, but will show signs of improvement. The biggest test for the Saints will be themselves. They have lost their past two road games against the Panthers and got swept last season. It is time  for them to change that outcome and surprisingly keep pace with the Buccaneers  and Falcons. 

Ross Jackson - Saints 24, Panthers 17

Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) reacts after catching the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With Carolina’s star cornerback Jaycee Horn out for the next several games, Saints wide receivers Michael Thomas, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed should be in for big numbers. During the last matchup between these two teams in Carolina, Olave went off for 147 receiving yards when thrust into a larger role due to injuries ahead of him. In his two career games against the division rivals last year, the second-year wideout put up a huge combined stat line with 14 catches, 207 receiving yards and a touchdown catch.

To take it over the top, the Panthers' Cover 3 heavy approach last week, if replicated Monday night, will also open up the seams for Juwan Johnson and the team's talented group of tight ends. Meanwhile, the defense has plus matchups all over the field. The major factor that could beat New Orleans in this particular matchup is itself. If they play a clean game with solid execution from their special teams unit and minimize their mistakes while maximizing Carolina's, three NFC South teams should be 2-0 by the end of the night.