Anybody wanna play running back for the Saints? Four have been ruled out because of COVID-19 concerns, chiefly Alvin Kamara. The versatile RB, coming off a milestone six-touchdown performance, is essential to the Saints’ offense as QB Drew Brees’ arm strength has declined. Stellar WR Michael Thomas (ankle) remains out of action, so New Orleans could be starved for points. Carolina has covered in all except one of its prior five games.

The Panthers have squat to play for and are down their top two running backs, but New Orleans is without ALL of its running backs due to COVID tracing. Yes, all. And remember that All-Pro WR Michael Thomas is on injured reserve. Thus, I tend to think that Coach Sean Payton mails this one in and rests key guys for Wild-Card Weekend. It's very unlikely his team can get the No. 1 seed in the NFC even with a victory.

Motivation is a key concern for teams with nothing to play for in Week 17, but I have no such worry about the Panthers. Matt Rhule has had this team playing hard for weeks, leading to close losses in Minnesota and Green Bay as well as against the Broncos at home, before upsetting Washington last week behind a strong performance by the improving defense. The Panthers came close to beating the Saints in their first meeting -- a game Michael Thomas also missed -- even though New Orleans was coming off its bye. The Saints offense should regress one week after running all over the Vikings, and that should open the door for Teddy Bridgewater and Co. to chase a signature win to end the year.

Usually I'd back Teddy Bridgewater as an underdog but this is a great spot for New Orleans. The Saints had extra rest and they are playing for the No. 1 seed, or at worst the No. 2 seed. Carolina iikely will be without Brian Burns, Russell Okung, Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis. Lay it.

This is what I call a suitcase game. The Panthers' bags are packed, and they're ready to hit the golf course. Meanwhile this is still an important game for the Saints, who want to secure as best a seed as possible in the NFC playoffs. The New Orleans defense remains one of the best in the league and will face a Carolina offense that will be without running backs Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis. I'm on the Saints.