Panthers vs. Saints, NFL picks and predictions 2016: Experts split between disappointing division rivals

The Carolina Panthers are in deep trouble right now. Last year’s NFC champions are now 1-4, with their playoff dreams quickly slipping away. They are desperate to right the ship against the New Orleans Saints on the road.

If there is a sliver of good news for Carolina, it’s that Cam Newton should be back. After suffering a concussion in Week 4, he’s making limited practices this week and is expected to take the field. Derek Anderson played OK for the most part on Monday night, but he committed some inexcusable turnovers that ultimately cost his team the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Having Newton back should revive the offense, and Jonathan Stewart’s return will certainly boost a running game that’s been stuck in neutral.

The Saints are 1-3 coming off their bye week, and they have plenty of problems themselves. The defense looks as bad as ever, and they only managed to beat the San Diego Chargers in Week 4 when the Chargers had a huge fourth-quarter collapse.

As always, the pressure is on Drew Brees to carry this team. He’s still playing well at age 37, throwing 10 touchdowns to three interceptions in four games. He’s also back on his home turf at the Superdome, where he’s always been at his best. Brees should have little problem picking apart a Panthers secondary that’s lost its identity without Josh Norman.

With the Panthers reeling, this game is a bit of a tossup among the experts. Over at ESPN, the Saints hold a slight 5-4 lead. It’s a bigger margin at CBS Sports, with six of eight experts taking the Saints.

Here at SB Nation, the edge goes to the Panthers. Six of our writers are going with Carolina while three pick New Orleans. The OddsShark computer can’t decide and calls this matchup “even.”