The Carolina Panthers (6-7) now own a losing record after starting the season 6-2 and with only three games remaining, somehow still have a viable opportunity at the playoffs. Unfortunately, two of their remaining three games come against NFC South divisional leader and rival, New Orleans (11-2), with Carolina needing to win at least one, maybe both.
If the Panthers are going to take one from the Saints then Monday night presents their best opportunity. Yes, New Orleans may elect to rest some of their key players when these two teams square off again in a couple weeks but Carolina has played much better at home – win here and the standings could dictate an essential play-in game at the Superdome.