This is going to be a really tough game for the Saints this weekend.  The Panthers have thrashed the Giants and Vikings the last two weeks by a combined score of 67-16 while the Saints have lost two games in a row.  The Saints have the home field locked up going into the playoffs so the question is whether they should rest their players or not.  I have a hart time believing that the Saints would play their starters more than a half in a game that really means nothing to them.  The Saints would probably be smart to run the ball a lot more than usual in this game to protect Drew Brees while he is in the game. Because, if Brees gets hurt in this meaningless game the Saints’ season will be pretty much over because Mark Brunell doesn’t have a lot of bullets left in his gun.  That means that Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton and Reggie Bush will likely be the focal points of the offense this Sunday for the Saints.

With WR Steve Smith out of the game for the Panthers look for them to lean heavily on the running game.  The Saints must go all out to stop Jonathan Stewart or it’s going to be a very long day for the Saints.  They can’t bring too many guys up to help defend the run because new QB Matt Moore has shown that he is adept at running play action passes. 

PREDICTION:  PANTHERS 27, SAINTS 17