New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 11/9/25, 9:15 AM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 11/9/25 at 3:50 PM in NFL Picks

The NFC South may be reeling, but the Carolina Panthers enter Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints with something resembling momentum. Their 16–13 victory over Green Bay last Sunday was anything but elegant, yet it provided a much-needed boost for a team clinging to divisional relevance. The contest was defined more by defensive resilience than offensive precision, as Carolina's unit managed to steady the game when the Packers' attack faltered—particularly after the injury to tight end Tucker Kraft derailed Green Bay's rhythm. For a Panthers squad that has struggled to find balance, any win, no matter how unsightly, carries weight this late in the season.

Across the field, the Saints find themselves in far deeper disarray. A 1–7 start has sent the organization into evaluation mode, culminating in a quarterback change that underscores both uncertainty and urgency. Head coach Dennis Allen has turned to rookie Tyler Shough, benching second-year passer Spencer Rattler after eight uneven starts. Rattler showed occasional flashes of competence, but inconsistency and stalled drives ultimately led to the shift. The decision to start Shough signals a longer-term focus, one that prioritizes player development and organizational reset over short-term stability.

Complicating matters further, Rattler's future in New Orleans may be decided before kickoff. With the trade deadline looming, speculation has intensified that the Saints could look to move the former starter for mid-round draft compensation. His rookie contract and starting experience make him a plausible target for teams dealing with quarterback injuries down the stretch. General manager Mickey Loomis has a reputation for shrewd, late-deadline maneuvering, and this situation provides another test of that opportunistic approach.