The Carolina Panthers only lost five games in the regular season after dropping twice that many last year. Rebounding in dramatic fashion, Panthers coach Ron Rivera has his team in the playoffs for a fourth time in five seasons. Relegated to a wild card berth by virtue of a season finale loss to Atlanta, the Panthers will face divisional winner and rival, New Orleans on the road.
After losing twice to the Saints in regular season play, Carolina has their work cut out for them if they hope to advance. Neither team has been completely healthy when they met previously, but the Panthers will have tight end Greg Olsen and center Ryan Kalil available this time around.