The New Orleans Saints open the 2024 regular season on Sunday, and one analyst expects a tight contest between the NFC South rivals.
Bookmakers have the Saints listed as four-point favorites. WWL's Mike Detillier told WWL's Tommy Tucker that while he expects a Saints victory, he says he doesn't believe the Saints will cover.
"I picked the game Saints 23-20," Detillier said. "I think this is a really close game."
While both the Saints and the Panthers have new look offenses, Detillier says he doesn't expect them to be the focus of post-game chatter.
"I think we'll be talking about the defense," Detillier said. "I really think that is the wheelhouse for the Saints this year."
However, Detillier notes that the Saints front five could also be a postgame talking point--and the conversation surrounding them might not be positive.
"We'll be talking about the deficiency, too, of their offensive line play," Detillier said.
According to Detillier, talk about Saints head coach Dennis Allen being on the hot seat will have no impact on how the Saints play.
"I think when you're in the position, you know, it's all about winning," Detillier said. "If somebody else outside the building puts you that way, so be it. My thing is: I don't need that as motivation. I know what I have to do each and every day to make it work."
Kickoff is set for Sunday at noon in the Superdome. Pregame is set for 8 a.m. on WWL.