SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 4, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Image: Getty)
The New Orleans Saints will visit the Carolina Panthers Monday night for an NFC South showdown, and here is what you need to know.
The Saints (11-2) lead their division and have enjoyed a dominant season from veteran QB Drew Brees, whose passing accuracy remains strong. The rest of New Orleans’ offense — especially players like running back Alvin Kamara — has also proved to be powerful, as it proved in a 28-14 victory over Tampa Bay on Dec. 9. The Saints are also first in the NFL in rushing defense (77.6 yards per game) and 10th in scoring (21.8 points per game). Given all this, they seem to be the heavy favorites to defeat the Panthers on Monday.
Meanwhile, the struggling second-place Panthers (6-7) are coming off a five-game losing streak, including a 26-20 defeat to the Browns (5-7-1) in Cleveland on Dec. 9. However, many of these losses have been by seven points or less, except for a 52-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10.
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Cam Newton, on the other hand, has appeared much more inconsistent in his passing. The Panthers QB is reportedly the league’s 17th-rated passer. With a a loss on Monday, Carolina could fall down the pecking order for the second wild-card spot. The playoff race could thus very well be defined after this matchup.
The Saints and Panthers are set to face off again in New Orleans in Week 17 (Dec. 30) to close out the regular season.
Monday’s game will start at 8:15 p.m. EST and will air on ESPN.
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