Juwan Johnson’s overtime touchdown gave New Orleans a thrilling 23-22 win over Cleveland last week, and it changed the feeling around the Superdome. Now the Saints are 3-5, just like the Carolina Panthers, with a chance to turn one brave finish into a bigger November push. When these NFC South rivals meet Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, every drive could feel like a tug-of-war for a season that is still wide open.

New Orleans will lean on quarterback Tyler Shough, whose arm and quick feet give the offense two ways to attack. Shough has thrown 14 touchdown passes, but he has also lost some costly balls this year. His job is simple: keep the big plays without handing Carolina extra chances. He has a special guide in Chris Olave. The speedy receiver already has 56 catches for 734 yards, and his sharp routes make him hard to track from the first whistle to the final snap. Olave’s seven catches for 98 yards against Cleveland showed how he can steady an offense when the game gets tight.

The Saints also need help protecting Shough. Center Erik McCoy is doubtful, while other blockers are dealing with injuries. That could make each running lane and passing play tougher to build. Travis Etienne Jr. may return from injured reserve, but New Orleans will wait until later in the week before deciding. If he plays, his fast cuts and receiving skill could add another spark beside Alvin Kamara and give Shough easier throws.

Carolina arrives after three straight losses, yet its offense can still strike fast. Bryce Young has thrown for 2,197 yards and 16 touchdowns in eight games. He has a powerful target in Tetairoa McMillan, whose size helps him battle for difficult catches downfield. McMillan has 625 receiving yards, while Chuba Hubbard has rushed for 619 yards and scored five times on the ground. Hubbard runs with force and can catch short passes, making Carolina less predictable.

That balance matters because New Orleans has allowed 27 points per game. The Saints will need Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, and the rest of the pass rush to hurry Young before he can find McMillan. Carolina has its own challenge up front. Starting tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are on injured reserve, and guard Damien Lewis is out. Those absences could make Hubbard’s paths narrower and put more pressure on Young.

The Panthers have gained more yards than New Orleans this season, but their defense has given up 27.4 points per game and faces a Saints passing attack that thrives indoors. Carolina could also be without cornerback Jaycee Horn, which would make covering Olave even harder.

This game is a race to find steadiness. Carolina needs to stop its skid, while New Orleans wants to build on its dramatic win. The Panthers have enough firepower to keep it close, especially if Young connects early with McMillan. Still, the Saints are at home, Olave is rolling, and Shough just showed he can finish a tense game. Prediction: New Orleans Saints win.

Chris Olave and the Saints Welcome Carolina to the Superdome