Panthers (3-3) at Saints (3-2)
1 p.m. ET | Fox
Matchup rating: 57.9 | Spread: NO -7.5 (51)
What to watch for: No one expected this veteran Saints team to be just a half-game up on a Panthers squad that was overhauled from top to bottom this offseason. So as much as the Saints love seeing their old friend Teddy Bridgewater succeed, they would love to flex their muscles on him by finally playing their most complete game of the season. The Saints are hoping to reboot after the bye -- and it would help greatly if wide receiver Michael Thomas is able to return from ankle and hamstring injuries (he didn't practice on Thursday). -- Mike Triplett
Bold prediction: Bridgewater throws for more than 350 yards and four touchdowns against his old mates. Opposing quarterbacks have passed for 15 touchdowns to only three interceptions against the porous New Orleans defense, and Bridgewater knows that defense inside and out after spending the past two seasons with the Saints. -- David Newton
Stat to know: Saints running back Alvin Kamara has four straight games of 100-plus scrimmage yards, the longest active streak in the NFL. He also leads all running backs in receiving yards this season with 395, 186 more than any other RB. Since 1950, there have been only three backs with 450-plus receiving yards in a team's first six games of a season: Timmy Brown in 1965 (510), Paul Hofer in 1980 (467) and Marshall Faulk in 2000 (462).
What to know for fantasy: Saints quarterback Drew Brees was a top-eight quarterback in both matchups with the Panthers last season, amassing 564 passing yards and six touchdowns in the process. See Week 7 rankings.
Betting nugget: Bridgewater is 18-4 ATS and 12-10 outright in his career as an underdog, including 2-2 straight up and ATS this season. Bridgewater is also 14-2 ATS as a road 'dog in his career. Read more.
Newton's pick: Panthers 33, Saints 30
Triplett's pick: Saints 30, Panthers 23
FPI prediction: NO, 69.9% (by an average of 7.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: Brown finally showing why Panthers made him seventh overall pick ... Saints need more from Lattimore, Jordan ... Panthers place K Slye on reserve/COVID-19 list ... Saints end Thomas' discipline; can play if healthy ... Bridgewater becoming to Panthers what Brees is to Saints ... Saints given go-ahead to have fans starting Sunday