Dangerous New Orleans Saints have the ability to punish poor Panthers

Week 15
Sky Sports Action, 1.15am Monday night

The Saints' destiny is back in their own hands and they can stay on top of the NFC playoff seedings race by winning in Carolina.

New Orleans looked to have done the hard part when they beat their chief rivals Los Angeles Rams 45-35 in Week Nine, but their defeat at Dallas two weeks ago left them vulnerable until the Rams' loss at Chicago last week lifted the Saints back into top spot.

Sean Payton's side did not look themselves again early on against Tampa Bay - who shocked them on the opening day of the season, but this time they were able to turn around a 14-3 half-time deficit to win 28-14 and clinch the NFC South title.

The Panthers have been in freefall since starting the season 6-2, losing their last five games against Pittsburgh, Detroit, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Cleveland.

The good news for Ron Rivera's side is that only the Seahawks beat them in Charlotte - the other four were road games - and they are 5-1 at home this season.

Other than the sensational performances of running back Christian McCaffrey, not much is going right for the Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton has been bothered by a recurrence of an injury to his throwing shoulder, which may require further surgery.

The Saints' sizzling offence, led by the NFL's all-time passing yards leader Drew Brees, gets all the headlines but the significant improvement by their defence this season has made all the difference to their Super Bowl challenge.

In their five games since their shootout with the high-powered Rams offence they have conceded 14, seven, 17, 13 and 14 points.

This is the divisional rivals' first meeting of the season as they are set to clash again in Week 17. The Saints won all three of their contests last season, including a 31-26 win in the playoffs, and they can extend the Panthers losing run to six.

Recommendations
New Orleans -6
1pt 20-23 general

The lowdown

Venue Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Surface Grass
Weather Clear, 6C
Vegas handicap New Orleans -6
Vegas points line 50

Team news
New Orleans
Offensive tackle Terron Armstead (pectoral) is out. Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (shoulder), guard Andrus Peat (ankle) and safety Kurt Coleman (elbow) are set to play.

Carolina
Defensive tackle Kawann Short (calf) is doubtful. Kicker Graham Gano (knee) is still sidelined.

Key stat
New Orleans have covered the handicap in seven of their last eight road games.

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