Panthers predictions: How Week 17 against the Saints will unfold

Of our 150 predictions for the 2021 Carolina Panthers thus far, we’ve hit the green on 77 of them. That settles out at a cool 51.3 percent completion rate with just two games to go.

So, let’s see if we can stay above the .500 mark on this last little stretch, starting with the Week 17 matchup with the New Orleans Saints.

Panthers lose coin toss

If you’ve followed along all season, you’d know our beloved coin toss streak was finally snapped last week. A missed call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocked us to 8-1 when trying to forecast the flip. We’ll try to get back on track.

Panthers get one first down on their first drive

We’re also back in the Sam Darnold Show, where you’re assured some kind of twist and/or turn every episode out. But the day will start rather tame, as he helps move the chains just once on Carolina’s opening drive.

Saints don’t get any first downs on their first drive

Touché says quarterback Taysom Hill and the Saints offense. The Panthers turn the home team away for a three-and-out to kick off their day.

But the Saints still strike first

Both teams come into Sunday having failed to reach the end zone the week prior. The Saints get off the schneid before the Panthers for their first end zone visit in three weeks. It’s running back Alvin Kamara on a 14-yard run.

While the Panthers strike for just one touchdown

No matter who head coach Matt Rhule throws under center, this broken-to-bits offense will need much more time to repair itself. This week, it’ll likely be Darnold—who offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon might be ready to run with (but not really)—the whole way out.

Do you really have much faith? Didn’t think so. Carolina scores just one touchdown on the day, a 7-yard pass to wideout DJ Moore.

Cam Newton doesn’t see the field

Like we said, expect Darnold—Rhule’s pet project—to play the entire way out in this one. The Panthers head coach slickly avoided questions about his plans to potentially use Newton in this one, to which he only replied “Cam will be ready.”

Sam Darnold finishes with under 175 passing yards

This New Orleans defense has been particularly daunting, as they currently rank 12th overall (331.7 yards allowed per game) and 17th against the pass (235.7 yards allowed per game). But with a lack of chemistry all around Carolina’s offense—between its passers and receivers and to its constantly changing offensive line—they’ll have a light task ahead of them.

Chuba Hubbard finishes with over 50 rushing yards

Hubbard has been on a chilly streak of late, having failed to reach anything past the 40-yard mark in each of his previous seven outings. He cracks 50 here on a more pronounced role without Newton eating up carries as the starter.

Panthers finish with two sacks

With or without left tackle Terron Armstead on Sunday, the Saints’ offensive line is facing a rather cold pass-rushing attack. Carolina has amassed just four sacks, all coming from their Week 15 loss to the Buffalo Bills, over the past three weeks. They do light up the sack column, but not for much.

Panthers lose

Both teams are kind of lost at the moment. But the Panthers just seem to be on another level of disorientation. They continue on their dizzying path for a sixth straight loss.