Saints @ Panthers

Who will WIN this matchup?

New Orleans Saints (1-1)

@ Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Current odds:

New Orleans Saints: (-137)

Carolina Panthers: (+115)

• The spread for this game is Saints by 2 points.

• Pressure could be coming from all angles when the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers meet Sunday afternoon in Charlotte, N.C. For Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, he has been under duress at times from pass rushes, resulting in numerous miscalculations. For the Panthers, there’s building tension surrounding their lack of success to start the season, leaving them desperate for a win. Nothing else might matter for head coach Matt Rhule, who has come under increasing scrutiny.

• Sunday’s contest begins a three-game homestand for the Panthers (0-2), who’ve lost twice on game-winning field goals of more than 50 yards. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is still seeking his first victory with the Panthers. He joined the team in the offseason.

• The Saints (1-1) will be playing their third game against an NFC South rival. After beating the Atlanta Falcons, they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

• Winston, who’s coping with an ailing back and ankle, has thrown three interceptions and has been sacked 10 times. Andy Dalton is the backup to Winston, who was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

• If the Saints remain turnover-prone, that might be just the break Carolina’s defense needs. The Panthers are the only team in the NFL without a takeaway this season. New Orleans has committed six turnovers.

• New Orleans has eclipsed the 100-yard mark in rushing in both games. The passing attack has produced 252.5 yards per game, though that’s better than Carolina’s 190 average.

• Running back Alvin Kamara, who missed the Tampa Bay game because of injured ribs, was back at practice Wednesday. He has been limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to face the Panthers.

• New Orleans cornerback Paulson Adebo (ankle), versatile tight end Taysom Hill (rib), right tackle Ryan Ramczyk (elbow) and safety Marcus Maye (rib) also were listed as questionable after recording limited practices throughout the week.

• Cornerback Alontae Taylor (knee) was listed as out for the game after missing practice on Friday.

• The Saints will have cornerback Marshon Lattimore available after his disqualification last week against Tampa Bay. He wasn’t handed an additional penalty.

• Carolina’s defensive backfield could be impacted if Donte Jackson (hamstring) isn’t at full strength. He was a full participant in practice on Friday and joins fellow cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver in being listed as questionable for the game.

• Star Christian McCaffrey was a full participant in practice and doesn’t carry a designation into the game.

• The Saints hold a 29-26 series edge against Carolina, winning nine of the last 11 meetings. Last September, the Panthers won 26-7 in Charlotte when Winston was 11-for-22 with two interceptions before New Orleans avenged the loss later in the season at home.