Someone in the league office looked into their crystal ball earlier this year and sensed the NFC South title would come down to the Panthers and Buccaneers.

The Panthers still can win the NFC South, but the path to do that is much more difficult than if they'd beaten the Saints.

NFL - Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints - 12/14/2025 National Football League New Orleans Saints Top Plays Devin Neal

Dave Canales’s well-rested team were outright leaders of the NFC South with a 7-6 record entering Sunday’s clash with the Saints at the Superdome. When Dave Canales’s team last took the field, they were putting the finishing touches on a 31-28 upset of the formidable Los Angeles Rams at Charlotte in Week 13.

The Panthers spoiled a golden opportunity with a lot of sloppy play in Week 15. HC Dave Canales spoke about the painful loss.

NFL - Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints - 12/14/2025 Charlie Smyth National Football League New Orleans Saints Top Plays

The Panthers were swept by a totally inferior opponent.