Here's the reality about these two teams. The Panthers are going to be improved, much improved. The Saints are going to be worse with a bad offensive line, an aging defense and uninspiring skill position players. Except for Chris Olave, I'm not impressed with a single quarterback, running back and wide receiver on the Saints.

Carolina's offense can't help but get improved by new coach Dave Canales, who resurrected Baker Mayfield's career as offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers last season. As for the Saints, it wouldn't surprise me if Dennis Allen was the first head coach fired this season.

There doesn't figure to be many points scored in this one, which is evident by a low total. The last seven in this series have gone Under. So getting more than a field goal with the Panthers looms large.