Here is a breakdown of the New Orleans Saints, who will take on the Panthers in Charlotte on Sunday afternoon.

Record: 13-2 (7-0 on the road), 1st in NFC South

Last Week: Lost 20-17 in overtime to the Buccaneers for their second straight defeat after reeling off 13 consecutive wins to start the season.

Last Game vs. Panthers: Saints won 30-20 in Week 9 at the Superdome, as DeAngelo Williams rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns but also lost a crucial fumble late in the fourth quarter.

Key Injuries: WR Lance Moore (ankle), S Darren Sharper (knee), TE David Thomas (calf), RB Pierre Thomas (rib) and LB Jonathan Vilma (knee) didn’t practice Wednesday. Several players were limited, including CBs Randall Gay (concussion) and Jabari Greer (groin), TE Jeremy Shockey (toe), G Jahri Evans (foot) and DT Sedrick Ellis (knee).

Players to Know: QB Drew Brees (70.6 CMP%, 4,388 YDS, 34 TD, 11 INT), RB Pierre Thomas (793 YDS, 5.4 AVG, 6 TD), WR Marques Colston (69 REC, 1,071 YDS, 9 TD), LB Jonathan Vilma (110 TACK, 2 SACK, 3 INT, 8 PASS DEF), S Darren Sharper (71 TACK, 9 INT, 15 PASS DEF), DE Will Smith (48 TACK, 13 SACK, 1 INT)

Ranks: Offense – Pts/G: 1st, Pass: 3rd, Run: 5th. Defense – Pts/G: 19th, Pass: 25th, Run: 22nd

Storyline: A few weeks ago, the storyline was if the Saints could go undefeated. Now it’s whether they can turn things around in time for the playoffs. The Saints have lost two in a row, including last week to the previously 2-12 Buccaneers, and haven’t won a game by more than three points since November. If they lose to the suddenly hot Panthers on the road Sunday, they will go into their first-round bye on a three-game skid.

Additional Reading: The Saints' first loss of the season, to Dallas, was not nearly as hard on the psyches of Saints fans as last week's stumble against Tampa Bay.

-- ANDREW SIMON