Opponent – Carolina Panthers
Coach – Ron Rivera
Quarterback – Cam Newton
2018 record – 7-9, third in NFC South
Most recent regular season matchup: Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018: Panthers 33, Saints 14
2019 game: Sunday, Nov. 24 – Week 12 at noon on Fox
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Panthers-Saints series record: Panthers lead 25-24-0
Panthers' 2018 season recap:
The Carolina Panthers came up short of a return trip to the postseason. They entered the season hoping to match or improve on their 11–5 record from the year prior, but after a 6-2 start, Carolina hit a seven-game losing streak and was eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. Quarterback Cam Newton battled a shoulder injury for much of the season, missing two regular season games. Running back Christian McCaffrey showed he is capable of being a star in the NFL. McCaffrey went over 1,000 yards on the ground and became one of the NFL's most versatile backs with 1,965 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. He ranked second in the NFL with 337 touches, just behind Ezekiel Elliot at 352. The Panthers led the NFL in rushing yards per carry (5.13) in 2018, the second-best mark in franchise history.
Notable additions:
- Defensive tackle – Gerald McCoy
- Center – Matt Paradis
- Defensive end – Bruce Irvin
Notable losses:
- Wide receiver – Devin Funchess
- Linebacker – Thomas Davis
- Defensive end – Julius Peppers (retired)
