Having secured the number one seed in the NFC, the New Orleans Saints (13-3) were welcoming the already-eliminated Carolina Panthers (7-9) in what amounted to a glorified preseason game late in the regular season. For the Saints who were resting several key starters, this was a game to get through while avoiding any devastating injuries. For Carolina, the goal was to try not to get swept by New Orleans for the second consecutive season.
The Saints would eventually lose 33-14 to the Panthers, ending the season at 13-3 and equaling the best record in the Payton/Brees era.