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Panthers Wild Card Playoffs preview and predictions

By Brandon Scott

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 03: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers visit New Orleans to conclude wild card weekend in the NFL playoffs…

Twice this season the Carolina Panthers lost to New Orleans. After dropping two straight to start the Saints began an eight game win streak with their first victory over the Panthers in Charlotte. New Orleans then lost to the NFC number three seed Rams before beating Carolina by 10 at home.

The Panthers struggled in both games with the Saints, giving up a season worst 400 yards of offense to New Orleans in their last meeting. Against a Carolina defense that ranked third in the league, allowing an average of 88 yards per game, the Saints rushed for 149 and 148 yards in their two games.

One positive for Carolina was the absence of a few veteran playmakers on offense in both games. Neither center Ryan Kalil or tight end Greg Olsen played against their divisional rival but both are healthy and expected to produce on Sunday. If they do, it could help change the outcome of a third meeting between the two teams this season.

2017 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (11-5) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (11-5)

KICKOFF: 4:40pm ET

TV: FOX (National Broadcast)

ONLINE: FuboTV 67+ live sports and entertainment channels with 7-day FREE trial!

ODDS: New Orleans (-7.0), Over/Under (48) at Sports Book Review

LOCATION: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans, LA)

WEATHER: Indoor

LAST MEETING: 31-21, SAINTS – December 3, 2017 (WEEK 13)

KEY MATCH-UP: Carolina Panthers Linebackers vs. New Orleans Saints Running Backs

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Stand out rookie running back Alvin Kamara had just two carries in the first meeting with Carolina this season. He turned those two rush attempts into 37 yards and a touchdown in route to a 34-13 victory.

In game two at New Orleans, Kamara capped the very first drive on fourth-down with an impressive touchdown run. Accumulating 60 yards and two rushing scores, his 97 yards were just a third of the ground production achieved by the Saints against Carolina.

Fellow running back Mark Ingram, wide receivers Ted Ginn, Tommylee Lewis and former Saints turned Cardinals back Adrian Peterson also created trouble, gaining 203 additional yards.

If the Panthers hope to win, they must find a way to limit not only Kamara but the entire rushing attack orchestrated by coach Sean Payton and the Saints. If linebackers Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson can hold New Orleans to short runs and keep passes out of the backfield to a minimum, they will provide their team an opportunity to win.

Next: Veterans Provide Hope for Playoffs

These two teams know each other well as four of their last five meetings have been decided by one score or less. Expect another tight game on Sunday with an improved Panthers offensive performance highlighting the day. Fortunately, the defense holds on against quarterback Drew Brees as he attempts to mount a comeback but falls short. Carolina moves on.

PREDICTION: CAROLINA PANTHERS- 31, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- 30

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