NFL schedule 2018: Each team’s biggest game

Carolina Panthers: vs. New Orleans Saints

The Panthers rebounded nicely last year, from 6-10 in 2016 to 11-5 and a playoff spot. But they also lost twice to the Saints in the regular season, by double-digits both times to break up what otherwise would have been long winning streaks. Then for good measure, they lost to the Saints again in the Wild Card Round.

The NFC South is always competitive/interchangeable year-to-year, and if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can rebound in 2018 all four teams have a chance to win the division. The games among each other will tip the scales, as always, and the Saints proved to be a big, ultimately insurmountable hurdle for the Panthers last year.

Head coach Ron Rivera has a contract extension in-hand. But with new ownership eventually coming in 2018 will be an important season, after it was not a reach to put him on the hot seat heading into last year. Maintaining last year’s success will be vital, with 2016’s post-Super Bowl and 15-1 regular season drop-off still fresh in memories. Beating the Saints at least once will be a huge step toward winning double-digit regular season games again.