Panthers-Saints Betting Preview: Who Will Win the Battle of the Backups?

Betting odds: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

• Spread: Saints -7
• Over/Under: 42.5
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• TV channel: FOX

Playoff picture: The Saints have absolutely nothing to play for; they're locked into the NFC's No. 1 overall seed. That helps explain why New Orleans is starting Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback instead of Drew Brees. — Scott T. Miller

Betting market: While the Saints will be taking it easy wit their studs, the Panthers are rolling out third-string quarterback Kyle Allen. Hence the 7-point line.

Spread bets have been fairly split in terms of tickets, but Carolina is getting the vast majority of money (83%).

The under is very popular: 73% of bets and 65% of dollars (see live betting data here). —Mark Gallant

Did you know? The Saints clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a win over the Steelers in Week 16.

The last time New Orleans had home-field advantage in the playoffs was 2009, Drew Brees & Co. won the franchise’s only Super Bowl that season. — John Ewing

Draft order: Carolina's seven consecutive losses have it currently sitting in the 11th overall draft position. The Panthers have a decent chance to move into the top-10 if they lose to the Saints.

The Bills, Falcons and Giants — all ahead of Carolina in the draft right now — are favored to win this weekend. — Scott T. Miller

Biggest mismatch: Quarterback

With Cam Newton shut down with a shoulder injury and Taylor Heinicke landing on the injured reserve with an elbow injury, the Panthers are being forced to turn to undrafted rookie Kyle Allen, who finished the preseason ranked 56th of 68 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus’ quarterback grades.

Even with the Saints starting Bridgewater under center, they still have a massive advantage.

Bridgewater ranked ninth in PFF’s preseason grades and has 848 more regular-season pass attempts to his name than Allen — not to mention a whole season of preparing alongside masterminds Brees and Sean Payton. – Chris Raybon

Which team is healthier? Saints

The Saints are mostly healthy with the exception of tackles Terron Armstead (shoulder) and Jermon Bushrod (hamstring).

The Panthers very well could curtail Christian McCaffrey’s workload, considering they’re eliminated from the playoffs and will be starting a third-string QB.

The potential absence of offensive linemen Trai Turner (ankle) and Marshall Newhouse (elbow) certainly wouldn’t help matters.

Note: Info as of 6 p.m. ET Thursday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff. — Ian Hartitz

DFS edge: With so much uncertainty with who will be playing in this game, I'll be avoiding this game entirely for DFS purposes. — Justin Bailey

Bet to watch: Panthers +7

There's obviously a lot of volatility in this one, but there's only one way to go in this game, as the Saints don't have any reason to go out and try and win this game.

So if you must bet it, take the points. — Peter Jennings

Editor’s note: The opinions on this game are from the individual writers and are based on their research, analysis and perspective. They are independent of, and may not always match with, the algorithm-driven Best Bets from Sports Insights.