The New Orleans Saints have maintained firm control of their NFC South rivalry against the Carolina Panthers over the past three seasons. Having won five of their last seven games against Carolina, including both games in 2025, the Saints will now look to continue their dominance into the 2026 season.
New Orleans narrowly holds the all-time series record. 22 of their 63 all-time matchups have been decided by eight points or less.
Beyond the record and significance to the NFC South, the rivalry has a rich history. From the Drew Brees vs. Cam Newton era to today’s battles, it feels like every matchup has playoff implications or some form of importance. Both teams are on the prowl for the NFC South, and this will be an interesting matchup in 2026.
Upcoming games in Saints vs. Panthers
Game 1
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 15 in Week 10
- Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, La.)
Game 2
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 13 in Week 14
- Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
Record: Saints lead 34-29
Last meeting in Saints vs. Panthers
- Saints won 20-17 on Dec. 14, 2025.
The Saints handled business in Week 15 of last season against the Panthers in one of Tyler Shough’s breakout games. While throwing for 272 yards and a passing touchdown, Shough also led the team in rushing yards. After trailing 10-7 entering halftime, the Saints scored 13 in the second half and 10 unanswered in the fourth quarter to pull off a tight divisional win.
Common connections in Saints vs. Panthers
Luke Fortner, the center that the Saints acquired during training camp last season, has an opportunity in Carolina. He signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Panthers this offseason. There’s a chance that he starts the season as the team’s starting center unless rookie Sam Hecht comes on early.
Notable changes since the last meeting in Saints vs. Panthers
- The Panthers made big defensive splashes in free agency, signing both pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips (4 years, $120 million) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (3 years, $42 million). Phillips was productive last season after being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lloyd has been an anchor on Jacksonville’s defense for years now.
- Carolina also signed former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal worth $4 million. Walker was widely expected to get between $15-20 million annually, but his market never took shape, and he had to settle for Carolina’s offer. It’ll be interesting to see if he can help silence Chase Young and the Saints’ pass-rushing group.
If the Saints’ young defensive line can dominate and attack Bryce Young in the pocket, they’ll greatly increase their odds of winning this series. On the flip side, if the Saints can contain Phillips and Carolina’s defensive front, they’ll give themself a greater chance.
Offensively, Saints head coach Kellen Moore should utilize the Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara tandem to keep Carolina’s talented defense honest. They can open up deep shots to both Jordyn Tyson and Chris Olave, while attacking the red zone with Juwan Johnson and Oscar Delp.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing this year’s Panthers rivalry games
