NFL lines, Week 3: 5 best bets

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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 17: Daryl Worley No. 26 of the Carolina Panthers breaks up a pass intended for Willie Snead No. 83 of the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on November 17, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

1. New Orleans Saints (+5.5) at Carolina Panthers

Are we sure the Carolina Panthers are good? They might be 2-0, but it’s not like those two wins really tell us how great this team is. Carolina beat two rookie head coaches in Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers and former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills.

While the Panthers defense looks legit, this looks to be one of the worst offenses in the NFC. Quarterback Cam Newton is not an accurate passer. Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey has been a non-factor in the first two weeks. Let’s not forget that tight end Greg Olsen is out for two months with a broken leg.

With a division rival in the New Orleans Saints coming to town, take Sean Payton’s team getting points in a must-win game for the franchise. New Orleans defense is absolutely rancid. It’s not getting any better and it might be time to pull the plug on the Payton/Drew Brees era in New Orleans.

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That being said, this is a game where New Orleans may not just cover, but upset the Panthers in Charlotte. The Saints cannot go 0-3 to start the year, period. Take the Saints getting any points. This one might only be decided by a field goal any way.