The Saints don’t really need this game so the Panthers need to push them around early in this game letting them know that it’s going to be a very long day for them.  Look for the Panthers to lean on their running game as usual in this game as they are averaging 154.7 yards rushing and 4.8 yards per carry so far this season.  Jonathan Stewart could be in line for another huge game for the Panthers to end this season as the Saints are kind of soft in the middle on D.  The Panthers will be playing without Steve Smith in this game (broken forearm) but that doens’t mean that Matt Moore won’t take some shots downfield off play action.

Defensively I think the Panthers should key on stopping the run as I don’t see the Saints risking Drew Brees’ health by throwing the ball a lot.  Julius Peppers is likely to be pretty inspired in this game after being elected to the Pro Bowl during the week and that is bad news for Drew Brees and Mark Brunell. 

PREDICTION:  PANTHERS 27, SAINTS 17