The Carolina Panthers will square up against the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs this weekend. According to Football Locks, the Panthers are a 6.5 point underdogs to the NFC South champion Saints, and even though the Saints aren't projected to win, here are three reasons why they will beat New Orleans.
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1.) Carolina Linebackers vs. Saints Running Backs
The story this season for the Saints has been the outstanding play of both running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. They each had over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage this season, which was the first time in NFL history that a running back duo accomplished this milestone. The Panthers linebackers will slow down the Saints running backs in this matchup, on the season Carolina has allowed only nine touchdowns to the running back position.
2.) Cam Newton vs. Injured Saints Defense
When quarterback Cam Newton plays well, the Panthers win games. In the teams 11 wins this season, Newton has a touchdown to interception ratio of 18-5. In the five Carolina losses, Newton has only four touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Saints defense has a ton of injuries including defensive end Alex Okafor, linebacker A.J. Klein, and safety Kenny Vaccaro, Newton and the rest of the Carolina offense will take advantage of a banged-up defense.
3.) Pressure Drew Brees
The Panthers have one of the best front seven's in the NFL and if they are able to pressure Saints quarterback Drew Brees it will lead to a victory. The Panthers recorded 50 sacks this season which was the third most in the NFL. Brees has been sacked only 20 times this season, but in the teams five losses, he has been sacked nine times.
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Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
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