Week 10
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
November 15, 2026
Caesars Superdome
NFC South Rivalry
Panthers–Saints
NFC South neighbors, deep divisional grudge
A twice-yearly NFC South clash between two Southeastern franchises that have shared a division for their entire common history. It blends Carolina's expansion-era underdog identity with New Orleans' long-suffering, then triumphant, fan culture.
The Rivalry
When Carolina entered the NFL in 1995, the expansion Panthers were slotted into the NFC West alongside the Saints, making the two teams divisional foes from the very start. The 2002 realignment moved both into the new NFC South, locking in an annual home-and-home series. The matchup grew sharper after Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton arrived in New Orleans in 2006, ushering in a sustained run of Saints success. Carolina's Cam Newton era added physical edge, including a 2014 game that featured an on-field brawl and multiple ejections. Geographic closeness and contrasting fan identities keep the series running hot through every meeting.
What's at Stake
Every game is a divisional contest with direct standings implications, since the NFC South often comes down to head-to-head results. The two cities sit within a day's drive across the Southeast, so road support travels well in both directions. It pits Carolina's Charlotte-based franchise against the Saints' fiercely devoted Gulf Coast following.
Famous Moments
- 2000 — Carolina overwhelmed New Orleans 45-13, one of the most lopsided wins in the early series.
- 2014 — A Cam Newton touchdown sparked an all-out brawl that ended in multiple player ejections.
- 2017 — The teams' only playoff meeting: New Orleans won the NFC Wild Card game 31-26 at home.
- 2018 — Drew Brees and the Saints extended their dominance during a stretch in which Brees won eight straight against Carolina.
- 2024 — New Orleans crushed Carolina 47-10, the Saints' largest win in the series.
The Panthers–Saints Games in 2026
The Two Teams
NFC South
Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium · Charlotte
An expansion franchise since 1995, the Panthers have reached two Super Bowls.
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Caesars Superdome · New Orleans
The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV after the 2009 season, a title of deep meaning for a city recovering from Hurricane Katrina.
Plan the Trip
This rivalry pairs two distinct Southeastern destinations. The Panthers host at Bank of America Stadium in the heart of uptown Charlotte, a walkable downtown stadium ringed by bars and restaurants. The Saints play in the Caesars Superdome, an iconic indoor arena steps from New Orleans' French Quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions: Panthers–Saints
The two teams first met in 1995. A twice-yearly NFC South clash between two Southeastern franchises that have shared a division for their entire common history. It blends Carolina's expansion-era underdog identity with New Orleans' long-suffering, then triumphant, fan culture.
Every game is a divisional contest with direct standings implications, since the NFC South often comes down to head-to-head results. The two cities sit within a day's drive across the Southeast, so road support travels well in both directions. It pits Carolina's Charlotte-based franchise against the Saints' fiercely devoted Gulf Coast following.
Yes — they meet 2 times in the 2026 NFL season. The game pages, each with a fan-travel guide, are linked on this page.
Carolina Panthers host at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte; New Orleans Saints play at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
