Offences may be on top in New Orleans clash

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The battle for top spot in the NFC South should provide plenty of entertainment and there could be a high points total when the Panthers visit the Saints.

Carolina have won their last four games while the Saints, who started the season 0-2, were on an eight-game winning streak before going down 26-20 to the Rams last week.

That run was sparked by a 34-13 victory in Charlotte in Week Three but Panthers quarterback Cam Newton did not look himself at the time and was intercepted three times.

Newton has found his form since and the teams should contribute more equally to the total in the return match.

Both sides could be missing key defenders with the Saints potentially being without two talented rookies – cornerback Marshon Lattimore and safety Marcus Williams.

The suspension of Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson will not help their effort to keep tabs on Saints running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.

Recommendation
Over 48 points
1pt 10-11 general

Week 13 Power Rankings

The lowdown

Venue Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Carolina +4.5
Vegas points line 48

Team news
Carolina
Defensive end Charles Johnson begins a four-game suspension. Tight end Greg Olsen (foot) is rated questionable, along with running back Christian McCaffrey (shoulder), linebacker Thomas Davis (hamstring), linebacker Shaq Thompson (foot) and centre Ryan Kalil (neck). Offensive tackle John Theus (illness) is out.

New Orleans
Safety Marcus Williams (groin) and tight end Coby Fleener (concussion) have been ruled out. Cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore (ankle), and PJ Williams (shoulder) are rated questionable, as is offensive tackle Terron Armstead (thigh).

Key stat
The points total has gone over in five of the teams’ last six meetings.

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