The NFC South will not remember 2014 as a banner season for divisional might. The Atlanta Falcons are leading the division at 5-7, tied with the New Orleans Saints. Despite being 3-8-1, the Carolina Panthers still have hope but must defeat the Saints on Sunday in the Superdome to have any realistic shot at a playoff berth.
Panthers vs. Saints 2014: Online streaming, time, TV schedule and radio
The NFC South may be a complete embarrassment, but somebody has to win this thing.
Carolina has been a major disappointment this season after going 12-4 and winning the NFC South last year. Head coach Ron Rivera appeared to have the Panthers on the right track after a couple of rough seasons in Cam Newton’s first two years. Instead, the team and Newton have been terrible in 2014. The former Auburn star has regressed, throwing 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 57.9 completion percentage.
Another problem for Rivera and the Panthers is the defense. Last year, the defense was top-notch, ranking second behind only the Seattle Seahawks. The defense is a complete disaster this season, allowing 27.6 points per game, ranking 29th in the NFL. Part of the problem was losing star defensive end Greg Hardy to the NFL's exempt list following his domestic violence conviction. Hardy registered 15 sacks last season but only played one game before being suspended this year.
New Orleans seemed kaput after losing an unthinkable three straight games at home, but rallied for an impressive upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. For the Saints to continue their winning ways, Drew Brees must continue leading the charge. Brees has struggled at times this season but was solid in Pittsburgh, throwing for 257 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.
When these two teams met the first time in Week 9 on a Thursday night in Charlotte, Brees threw for 297 yards on 24-of-34 passing in a 28-10 victory. Newton was flat-out horrendous that evening, completing 10-of-28 passes for 151 yards and an interception. Both teams turned the ball over twice and New Orleans only ran for 2.8 yards per carry, but emerged with a fairly easy win.
How to Watch
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile | NFL Sunday Ticket
Odds
New Orleans is favored by 10 points at home over Carolina, with an over/under of 50, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Panthers, head over to Cat Scratch Reader.
To keep up with the Saints, check out Canal Street Chronicles.
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