5 NFL teams that must win in Week 12

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans looks to throw the ball during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 17: Christian McCaffrey (22) running back of Carolina during a NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers on November 17, 2019, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Carolina Panthers

Speaking of NFC playoff contenders, no one has fallen off a cliff faster than the Carolina Panthers. Just a few weeks ago, the Panthers were 4-2 and in prime position to secure a wild card spot.

Carolina has gone just 1-3 since, dropping two straight games entering Week 12. Losing a tough game to the Packers at a snowy Lambeau Field was understandable, but falling at home to a dreadful Atlanta Falcons’ squad is not as forgivable.

The Panthers were simply outclassed by Atlanta from the jump last week, with the Carolina offense getting torched by a hot Falcons’ defense. Kyle Allen was awful, throwing four interceptions and getting sacked five times in the defeat.

There is no question that the Panthers have to stop the bleeding in order to remain in a tough NFC Wild Card picture, and that means picking up a win against the New Orleans Saints this week. The Saints bounced back from their own brutal loss to the Falcons with a resounding win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting up this matchup in the Superdome.

Carolina is a fringe contender at the moment, but their playoff dreams will vanish with a loss in New Orleans. That is the definition of a must-win, so the Panthers absolutely have to leave the Superdome with a win.

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