Carolina at New Orleans

Carolina is on a 5-3 SU/ATS run, including wins at Arizona and Houston as a dog each time. They are still alive for a Wild Card spot so expect another big effort against a division rival. New Orleans has an improved defense, but 40-year old QB Drew Brees (eight TDs, three INTS) has been up and down after missing time with an injury. They are averaging 22.6 points in the five games he's played. In their last home game two weeks ago, the Saints lost 26-9 to Atlanta as a two-touchdown favorite. New Orleans is 11-5 UNDER the total against the NFC, plus 8-2 UNDER when following a spread cover. The road team is 25-11 ATS when these rivals clash and the Panthers are 14-5 ATS at New Orleans. With the underdog 9-1 ATS when these rivals play, back the big dog in a defensive duel. Play Carolina and also take the UNDER.