Panthers Eye Playoff Berth as They Look to Exorcise Saints Demons in Week 15
It’s not a typo. The Carolina Panthers are, in fact, sitting atop the NFC South standings heading into Week 15-and yes, that still feels a little strange to say out loud.
But strange or not, it’s real. And after their latest bye week-their first December break in nearly a quarter-century-Carolina returns to action with a clear path to the postseason.
Two wins. That’s all it takes to lock up their first playoff berth in nearly eight years.
That journey starts Sunday in New Orleans, where the 3-10 Saints await. On paper, this looks like a favorable matchup. But the Panthers know better than to take anything for granted-especially against a team that’s had their number lately.
Here’s what to watch as Carolina heads into a pivotal divisional clash in the Superdome.
Bryce Young vs. the Saints: A Battle He Hasn’t Won Yet
Let’s be honest-Bryce Young hasn’t exactly enjoyed his matchups with New Orleans. If there’s one team that seems to have a bead on the Panthers’ quarterback, it’s the Saints.
In five career starts against them, Young has struggled to find any rhythm. He’s completed just 54% of his passes, averaging 149.2 yards per game with only two touchdown passes to four interceptions. That’s a stark contrast to how he’s performed against other division foes, particularly Atlanta.
Just look at Weeks 10 and 11. Young was bottled up by the Saints in a 17-7 loss, throwing for only 124 yards and a pick.
Then, one week later, he lit up the Falcons for a franchise-record 448 passing yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 30-27 win. That kind of swing highlights both the highs of Young’s potential and the lows of his Saints-specific struggles.
The good news? His most recent outing looked a lot more like the Atlanta version of Bryce.
In Week 13, he threw for 205 yards and three touchdowns-no interceptions-as the Panthers knocked off the NFC-leading Rams. If he can bring that same poise and production into the Superdome, Carolina’s offense could finally flip the script against New Orleans.
Chuba Hubbard Making His Case in the Backfield
There’s a quiet shift happening in the Panthers’ running back room, and Chuba Hubbard might be at the center of it.
After a few weeks of limited action, Hubbard came out of the bye looking refreshed and explosive. He carried the ball 17 times for 83 yards in Week 13-more touches than he had in the previous three games combined-and added a 35-yard catch-and-run touchdown that showcased his burst in the open field.
Over the last four games, Hubbard has averaged a strong 5.0 yards per carry on 27 attempts. That’s efficient, decisive running-exactly what Carolina needs down the stretch.
Meanwhile, Rico Dowdle, who had been the team’s workhorse earlier in the season, appears to be slowing down. Since Week 11, he’s averaged just 3.2 yards per carry. It’s possible the heavy workload is starting to catch up with him, and the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time.
Still, with Hubbard’s recent surge and fresher legs, don’t be surprised if he starts to see more of the load again. The Panthers have options in the backfield-and right now, Hubbard is making the most of his.
Learning From the Last Saints Matchup
The Panthers don’t need to look far for motivation this week. Just rewind five weeks, when New Orleans handed them a humbling 17-7 loss.
At the time, the Saints were a one-win team. Carolina was favored.
But the result? A lopsided defeat where the Panthers were outgained 388 to 175 and outplayed in nearly every phase.
Rookie QB Tyler Shough, making just his second NFL start, torched the Carolina defense for 282 yards and two touchdowns. And after the game, the Panthers didn’t shy away from accountability.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu admitted the team didn’t focus enough on “the small details” in practice. Rookie linebacker Nic Scourton said some players got “too big-headed.” That kind of honesty is rare-but it also shows a team that’s aware of where it went wrong and is determined not to repeat it.
Now, with the NFC South crown within reach, those details matter more than ever. After Atlanta’s win over Tampa Bay on Thursday night, the door is wide open for Carolina. Two straight wins-starting with the Saints on Sunday-would seal the division and punch their ticket to the playoffs.
The Stakes Are Real Now
This isn’t just another game. This is a chance to take control of the division, to shake off past mistakes, and to prove that this team is more than just a nice story in a shaky division.
The Panthers know what’s at stake. They’ve been here before-just not for a while. And if Bryce Young can finally solve the Saints, if Chuba Hubbard continues to surge, and if the team stays locked in on the details, they just might find themselves playing meaningful football in January.
Strange as it sounds, the first-place Panthers are right where they need to be. Now it’s about finishing the job.