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.

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave woke up just in time, reeling in four of his six catches and tallying 78 of his 85 receiving yards in the fourth quarter. One of those receptions, a 12-yarder, tied the game up at 17 apiece with 2:29 left.

The New Orleans Saints hitched to improbable Sunday and wouldn't loosen their grip until they crossed into possible and landed on victory, posting a 20-17 win over Carolina in the Caesars Superdome that riveted as they scored 10 points in the final 2:29.

These teams met back on November 9 with the Saints winning 17-7. The New Orleans defense owned the day limiting the Panthers to a mere 73 yards rushing and just 175 yards of total offense. No doubt Carolina needs a more balanced attack this weekend.

The Carolina Panthers, led by quarterback Bryce Young, face the New Orleans Saints, led by quarterback Tyler Shough, on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.

In recent weeks, the Saints have made life miserable for quarterbacks Bryce Young (62.8 passer efficiency rating), Tua Tagovailoa (55.9) and Baker Mayfield (55.1). Combined, the Saints limited that trio to three touchdown passes and a 55 completion percentage, while recording nine sacks and four interceptions.

The New Orleans Saints are turning heads after a critical divisional win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the resurgence of the team is being largely attributed to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.

Rookie Tyler Shough took another step as an NFL quarterback by showing he could improvise under pressure and in the clutch.