The last week of regular season football is here. It's with mixed emotions that I will be watching. Glad the playoffs are almost here, expecially since we are at least guaranteed a spot, but sad the season is over and in 1 1/2 months we will be left waiting for next season.

There are several things on the line this week, we all know about Drew Brees attempt at Dan Marino's passing yard record, and most Carolina fans know about DeAngelo Williams attempt at least to tie Hall of Fame Jim Brown's record for most 30+ yard TD runs in a season. Williams has six on the season and needs one more to tie. There is also the best home record of any division, although it also depends on Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The NFC South currently is tied with the best winning record for a division. With at least one home team win this weekend the NFC South will have the record.

With that said, lets examine this week's key match-up between the Panthers D and the Saints O.

Panthers CB Richard Marshall vs WR Saints Lance Moore

Many people are calling for Ken Lucas to be benched in favor of Richard Marshall. I can't say I completely disagree, however, I would add that we know Lucas can play at a higher level than he has been and we are not sure exactly what we will get from Marshall. Although Lucas could definitely become a cap casualty after the season. Yet I would prefer to have all three on the team again. But I digress.

I pose this question as this would not be the time to make a change like this for several reasons. This weekend both are going to have considerable playing time. The Saints are a pass happy team, meaning we will see plenty of 3, 4, and 5 receiver sets. With the single season passing yard on the line they may try to pass more than usually. But...

Panthers D-Line vs Saints O-line

The Saints offensive line is pretty much at full strength. The same can't be said for our defensive line. While the passing record is on the line and that's pretty much all you read about regarding this game, the Saints do want the win. With Sean Payton's rear end felling a little warm as of late, he would prefer to win and finish the season over .500.

With a good possibility of both our starting DT missing this game our run defense is vulnerable. Something the Saints would be wise to take advantage of. However, while their O-line is healthy, the same cannot be said of their RB. Reggie Bush is on IR, Pierre Thomas is Questionable, which pretty much leaves Deuce McAllister to fend for himself, but he hasn't been the same this year. Luckily we have a solid LB crew and they will be a big help in stopping the run.

Panthers DE Charles Johnson vs Saints T Jonathan Stinchomb

Specifically along the Panthers D-line, I will be looking for Charles Johnson to make a statement at the end of the season. The Panthers only had one sack in our first match-up (from Peppers) but if the Saints do end up throwing as much as people are talking about then Johnson should see plenty of playing time. He's been hot and cold throughout the season but he's shown he can be a legit pass rush threat.

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I'll state it simply, the Panthers should win this game. I don't say this because we are still fighting for the 2nd seed, but rather the Panthers have come a long way since the first half of the season. Our rushing has become dangerous and anybody worth their salt should at least give DeAngelo Williams a thought for MVP. He's been outstanding this season and has turned it on late in the year.

The Panthers have faced all three top current passing teams (Saints, Cardinals, Broncos) and have defeated each of them. If the Panthers are going to be lose a game, as much as I hate to say it, it will because of our run defense. I don't see this being that week.

Prediction: Panthers 28, Saints 17