Last year, the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers slugged it out all season in a fight for the NFC South crown. The teams split their two contests with each winning at home, and Carolina ultimately won the division with a 12-4 mark. This year, the pair seem poised for another run at the South, but it won't take 12 wins to win it.
Saints vs. Panthers 2014 picks and predictions: Experts slightly favor New Orleans
New Orleans historically struggles away from home. The Panthers will try to right their ship with that history in mind.
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The NFC South has struggled as a whole. The Panthers are currently on top heading into Week 9 at 3-4-1 with New Orleans not far behind at 3-4. It has been a major struggle for both teams at times, with the Panthers unable to play defense and the Saints sporting an 0-4 mark away from the Superdome. After ranking second last year behind the Seattle Seahawks in total defense, the Panthers are 21st this year and last in yards per carry against. For their part, the Saints sit 31st in pass defense under the blitz-heavy schemes of Rob Ryan.
The SB Nation panel of experts is split on which team will win with four picking the Panthers and the other three taking the Saints.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | Joel Thorman | |
| IND vs. NYG | IND | NYG | NYG | NYG | IND | IND | IND |
Over at CBS Sports, John Breech believes the Saints will earn their first win away from home. Several of his colleagues agree with six of the eight CBS NFL experts picking the Saints to win. It can't hurt the Saints are coming off an impressive win against Green Bay while Carolina struggled to find any offense in a home loss to Seattle. Yahoo! Sports went with Carolina across the board.
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