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Panthers Eye Division Lead After Bye Week
14 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Panthers lead NFC South by half a game after a bye.
- Saints won the previous matchup, holding a series lead.
- Chris Olave is a key threat for the Saints' offense.
Returning from a bye week, the Carolina Panthers, with a 7-6 record, face a pivotal Sunday matchup against the New Orleans Saints. This game is crucial as the Panthers currently lead the NFC South by a half-game over the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have lost two consecutive home games. A victory against the Saints would solidify Carolina's lead heading into a significant showdown with Tampa Bay next week.
The Panthers previously lost to the Saints in Week 10, where their offense struggled significantly, scoring a season-low 7 points. Historically, New Orleans holds an advantage in the overall series, including a playoff meeting. Carolina's recent record against the Saints has been particularly poor, with two straight losses in New Orleans by a combined 75-16 score.
New Orleans' offense, despite scoring fewer points than most teams, features dynamic wide receiver Chris Olave, who had a standout performance against Carolina earlier this season. Olave leads the Saints in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, making him a primary concern for the Panthers' defense as they aim to secure a vital divisional win.
