The Carolina Panthers thought they had turned their season around after two consecutive wins following a four-game losing streak. Then came the collapse against Kansas City Sunday and now the defending NFC champs are facing a must-win situation when they face New Orleans on Thursday Night Football (5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET, KGW-8 (NBC), NFL Network).
The Panthers (3-6) blew a 17-point lead and gave up 17 points in the third quarter in their deflating 20-17 loss to Kansas City. Suddenly, the good feelings created by a two-game winning streak dissipated and now the Panthers can't afford another loss if they want to remain relevant in the playoff race.