The Carolina Panthers had a very productive bye week.

While they were resting and recharging for the final four games of the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were losing to the New Orleans Saints and dropping into a tie with the Panthers (7-6) for first place in the NFC South.

Carolina can stay in first place by beating the Saints on Sunday in New Orleans.

"Every game is a championship opportunity," Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "We have one right in front of us on the road against a familiar opponent."

Even though the Saints (3-10) are tied for the fourth-worst record in the NFL, no one knows better than Carolina that New Orleans shouldn't be overlooked.

Not only did the Saints beat the Bucs last week, but they went into Charlotte and beat the Panthers on Nov. 9 after Carolina ha

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