Saints vs. Panthers: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

On the heels of three consecutive victories, the 3-1 New Orleans Saints will travel to Charlotte, N.C. to take on their division rivals, the 1-3 Carolina Panthers.

While this may seem like a mismatch on paper, the Panthers have hung tough in each of their three losses.

The Saints have bounced back nicely since a tough Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers with nice wins over the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Saints, as always, have been buoyed by Drew Brees and the passing game.

The Panthers have probably been the league's most impressive and exciting 1-3 team, as rookie quarterback Cam Newton has seamlessly adjusted to the NFL game. They have taken both the Packers and Bears to the wire thus far.

The Saints will be the decided favorites, but anything can happen in the NFL, particularly in divisional matchups.

Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

When: Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX; WVUE-TV (New Orleans) and FOX Charlotte (Carolina)

Listen: WWL 870 AM (New Orleans) and WBT 1110 AM (Carolina); Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM 870 (New Orleans) and XM 231 (Internet 875, Carolina)

Live Streaming Audio:  NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: New Orleans Saints (-6.5)

What's at Stake?

With the Saints, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South, the Panthers don't have a realistic chance to compete for the division crown, but a win over New Orleans would be a huge feather in the cap of an up-and-coming team.

This game is of particular importance to the Saints as they are tied atop the division at 3-1 with Tampa Bay and just one game up on Atlanta. In a divisional race as close as this is sure to be, the Saints can't afford to lose to a team they're supposed to beat.

While the Saints are playing for positioning, this will be a great litmus test for the Panthers to see where they stand in their current development.

Saints' Injury Report

Out: OL Alex Barron (knee - IR), K Garrett Hartley (hip - IR), RB Chris Ivory (abdomen - PUP)

Questionable: C Olin Kreutz (knee), LB Jonathan Vilma (knee), TE David Thomas (concussion)

Panthers' Injury Report

Out: LB Thomas Davis (knee - out for season), LB Jon Beason (Achilles - out for season)

Questionable: TE Jeremy Shockey (concussion), DB Chris Gamble (concussion), DB Charles Godfrey (concussion)

What They're Saying

The Saints are 3-1 and coming off a 23-10 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but head coach Sean Payton isn't satisfied, according to James Varney of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The Saints converted touchdowns on just two of their five red-zone possessions Sunday.

"

"We left some points on the board. We left some opportunities on the board. And I think that's the most important thing. That we are improving. That we are able to take advantage of that because we're going to play in a closer game where that can be significant."

"

While the 1-3 Panthers have made great strides early in the season, first-year head coach Ron Rivera isn't satisfied, according to Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer. 

Rivera is looking for more maturity out of his team after losing a game to the Chicago Bears in which they severely outgained Chicago.

"

"What's happening," Rivera said, "is there are some of us that are getting tired of it because you get to the point where you say: 'We keep hurting ourselves.' Well, you know what? It's time to stop. It's time to grow up. That comes back to me again."
 

"

Saints Player to Watch: WR Marques Colston

New Orleans' No. 1 receiver Marques Colston missed two weeks after suffering a collarbone injury in Week 1, but he returned last week against Jacksonville. Colston had just one reception, but he is being eased back into the offense.

He should take on a much bigger role in his second week back, and that could spell trouble for the Carolina defense. Even if he just plays the role of decoy, it will open up space for the likes of Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore and Jimmy Graham.

Panthers Player to Watch: WR Steve Smith

After a couple fairly miserable seasons, Panthers main target Steve Smith has been reinvigorated by the presence of rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Through four games, Smith leads the NFL in receiving yardage with an impressive 530 yards. He also has three games with more than 150 yards.

Other than Smith, Newton doesn't have much in terms of reliable pass catchers, though. With that in mind, it will be vital for the New Orleans defense to hold him in check. If the Saints are able to do that, then they should be in great shape.

Key Matchup: QB Cam Newton vs. New Orleans Linebackers

Cam Newton has dazzled observers with his passing skills to this point, as he has three games with 350 or more passing yards, but he has plenty of other tools in his repertoire as well.

Newton's rushing ability has translated to the NFL level, as evidenced by his four rushing scores.

Newton's elusiveness will put the onus on the Saints' linebackers to hold him to short gains. This could be difficult if Jonathan Vilma is unable to go with a knee injury. If that's the case, then the group will have to step up as a whole.

On the Hot Seat: Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams

Through four games, Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams has just 143 rushing yards. While much of that has to do with Carolina's pass-happy offense, he hasn't been particularly effective when called upon, either, with a 3.9 yards-per-carry average.

Jonathan Stewart has been the slightly better back in a timeshare, so it stands to reason that he could begin receiving the lion's share of the work if Williams continues to plod along. The running game will certainly be key in keeping the Saints off balance.

Prediction

Saints 38, Panthers 24