The New Orleans Saints are coming off arguably the most controversial ending we’ve seen all season long. Most football betting lines predicted a competitive contest but very few actually imagined that it would come down to the wire, and no one could’ve anticipated the way in which the game ended. After tying the game with less than two minutes left in the 4th quarter, the Saints were poised to take the lead after a successful point attempt. However, after demonstrating their incredibly vast understanding of the rules, the Broncos were able to legally pin the long snapper down to the ground, clearing a path for a Broncos’ player to hurdle the line and block the kick without being so much as touched. With no resistance, Denver blocked the kick, recovered, and successfully converted a defensive two-point conversion, effectively giving them a 25-23 lead with a minute left in the final quarter of the game. The Saints would go on to fail their onside kick, the Broncos recovered and took a knee to finish out the game.
It was without a question one of the wackiest endings we’ve seen all year. In the end, the Broncos’ superior knowledge of the rules allowed them to take advantage of the unprepared Saints and win the game in spectacular fashion. With that loss the Saints fell to 4-5 and fell one game further behind the Falcons in the NFC South. This Thursday, New Orleans will get a chance to gain a divisional win when they face the Carolina Panthers. Considering how rough 2016 has been for the Panthers, will the best online sportsbooks side with the Saints?
NFL Odds – Week 11 – Thursday, November 17th
New Orleans Saints +3 (+105) 52 (-110)
Carolina Panthers -3 (-125) 52 (-110)
In spite of the fact that the Panthers have only won 3 games this season, these football betting lines are still predicting a Carolina victory. The Panthers will be coming off their 20-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This year’s season has been abysmal for Carolina. Oftentimes fans are uncertain how much one individual player contributes to a team, but seeing how poor Carolina’s defense has been following the loss of Josh Norman, it’s abundantly clear that the franchise made a mistake when they let the young cornerback go. The Panthers went from having a Super Bowl contender defense, to having the 25th worst pass defense in the NFL. How will the Panthers lackluster pass defense fare against Drew Brees?
The Saints will be coming into this contest with the league’s best passing offense, as well as the best total offense. With an average of 29.4 points scored per game, New Orleans has the 2nd best scoring average in the NFL. The Saints have an unstoppable aerial assault, but they also have one of the worst defenses in the league. Bottom line, this game will likely result in a shootout and with a totals prediction of 52, football betting lines are well aware of the potential of this matchup.
