Sports

COUNT ON CAROLINA CASH-IN

Including the 1997-2006 seasons in The Post, Cat’s 12-year record in print stands at 332-270 (55.1 percent) against the spread.

THE PICK

PANTHERS (+3) over Saints: Selection was based on the assumption that all-world wideout Steve Smith would return for duty for Carolina, now not so certain. But Saints’ “overrated” label, affixed prior to matchup with Texans, fits here as well. Carolina (+3) pounces, for one unit.

LAST WEEK: 2-1 (plus one unit). Wolverine spirit willing, but flesh aching (Michigan, minus one unit). Beavers even more feisty than usual, registering first-round TKO (Oregon State, plus one unit). Raiders afforded backdoor opportunity by Minnesota’s “Prevent Victory” D, but bungled it (Vikings, plus one unit).

SEASON: 13-12-1.

To contact Cat about his comprehensive advisory service, write P.O. Box 739, Hightstown, N.J., 08520, or visit http://www.thesharpmoves.com.