ClutchPoints
The NFC South has been the one division in the NFL that has been a laughingstock over the past several seasons. It was not long ago that Stephen A. Smith said “that division, I mean don’t get me started with the NFC South” when talking about Kirk Cousins and the Falcons back in 2024. And it is easy to understand why. The division has not fielded many competitive teams since the Drew Brees and Tom Brady era in 2021.
But things are changing in the NFC South, largely due to the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina is 5-4 heading into their Week 10 matchup against New Orleans after squeaking out a win in Green Bay. Now this game could have legitimate playoff ramifications, as the Panthers are squarely in the wild card race.
Meanwhile, the Saints have looked frisky during Kellen Moore’s rookie season as head coach. That has not translated to wins yet, but Saints fans can have some optimism about the future of the organization.
Division games are always more competitive than they might seem on paper. After all, these are the teams that know each other better than any others in the NFL.
Will the Panthers roll to an easy victory? Or will the Saints make this a competitive game, or even pull off the upset?
Below we will explore three bold predictions ahead of Saints vs. Panthers in Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season.
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Rico Dowdle has been a sensational running back for the Panthers in 2025.
Dowdle took full advantage of his opportunity in Week 5 against the Dolphins. He logged 23 carries for 206 rushing yards and a touchdown, and he hasn’t looked back since.
The veteran running back has 131 carries for 735 rushing yards and four touchdowns so far this season. He is on pace to obliterate his season totals from last year, when he was the lead back for the Cowboys for an entire campaign.
The Saints have one of the worst run defense units in the NFL this season. They’ve allowed 129.4 rushing yards per game through nine games, which is ninth worst in the NFL.
New Orleans has not allowed many long runs, and they only allow four yards per carry. But when you routinely fall behind, it is easy for your defense to get gassed and give up consistent yards against the run in garbage time.
I am predicting not only that Dowdle will play, but that he’ll have his usual workhorse load of plays. In fact, I believe he’ll have at least 25 carries against New Orleans.
For a back like Dowdle, that may not be too bold of a prediction. He has already had 25+ carries in two games since winning the starting job in Carolina.
If this happens, Carolina more than likely wins this game.
Chris Olave has first 100+ receiving yard game after Rashid Shaheed trade -----------------------------------------------------------------------------...
