The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints are set to face off on Thursday Night Football in the latest edition of a bitter NFC South division rivalry. Both teams are in need of a win, especially the Panthers, who have gotten off to a 3-6 start this season. New Orleans is sitting at 4-5, but both teams are behind the Atlanta Falcons.

Cam Newton and the Panthers were the best team in the NFC last season and were expected to compete for a Super Bowl appearance again this year. That obviously didn’t happen, and they are struggling in a big way. Carolina cannot afford to drop to 3-7 this season if they hope to make the playoffs.

Drew Brees is playing at an MVP-caliber level this season and has kept the Saints in the playoff picture. They are on the outside looking in right now, but they have come through with some big wins. If the New Orleans’ defense can step up this week, they will give the Panthers a run for their money.

Drew Brees becomes 3rd QB in NFL history with 450 career TD passes (Peyton Manning & Brett Favre) pic.twitter.com/Qj3YRR74r9 — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 13, 2016

Looking ahead at this week’s game, there are a lot of reasons for fans to tune in. Both teams have high-powered offenses, but their defenses have struggled. If fans want to see points in bunches, this game is one that you might want to tune into.

All of that being said, what bold predictions can be made for the Panthers vs. Saints game this week?

Cam Newton Totals 300 Yards, Four Touchdowns

If the Panthers are going to pull out a win, everything starts with the play of their star quarterback. Cam Newton will respond with a big game, totaling 300 yards and four touchdowns. New Orleans doesn’t have a strong defense, and Newton will take full advantage of that fact this week.

Drew Brees Throws for 350 Yards, Four Touchdowns

New Orleans has been very happy with the play of Drew Brees this season and will get another big performance this week. He will torch the Panthers’ defense for 350 passing yards and four touchdowns. Carolina’s defense is nothing close to what it was last season, and Brees will show that again this week.

Carolina’s Defense Will Sack Drew Brees Five Times

While the Panthers’ secondary isn’t good this season, they still are capable of putting pressure on the quarterback. That will show this week when they sack Drew Brees five times. New Orleans doesn’t have a bad offensive line, but they are going to get torched this week.

New Orleans Forces at Least Three Turnovers

Even though the Saints’ defense leaves a lot to be desired, they do have playmakers on the roster. New Orleans will show that this week by forcing three turnovers. Whether they force Newton to throw interceptions or force fumbles from other players, the Saints will put themselves in a good position by forcing three turnovers.

The New Orleans Saints Pull Off a Hard-Fought Victory

Throughout the 2016 season, the New Orleans Saints have shown that they could beat good football teams. They have already defeated the Panthers once and will come through with the season sweep this week. New Orleans won’t win in blowout fashion, but they will pull out a close win when everything is said and done.

Expect to see both of these teams bring a little extra to the field this week. The NFC South rivalry aspect of the game is going to make this week’s matchup even more entertaining to watch.

Do you think the New Orleans Saints can pull out a hard-fought victory against the Carolina Panthers? What are your final score predictions for the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

[Featured Image by John McCusker/AP Images]