Week 17 in the NFL sometimes translates into meaningless games between teams whose playoff position is already well cemented. Such is not the case in today’s game between the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. The Saints are looking to sneak into the 2nd seed in the NFC with a win today paired with a loss by the San Francisco 49ers. If the Saints want to get the crucial 2nd seed and the 1st round bye that comes along with it, the offense will need to continue its successes against a talented Carolina Panthers team.

Pass Offense

Drew Brees broke the all-time single season passing yardage mark last week against Atlanta, topping off an already incredible year. The entire passing offense is certainly humming along at a pace never seen before in NFL history. Brees and the rest of the starting lineup are slated to get the start this afternoon. One would have to consider, however, that Payton would pull the plug if (1) the Saints are absolutely blowing out Carolina early on, or (2) the 49ers are handily taking care of the Rams.

Carolina’s pass defense in 2011 hasn’t been exactly impressive, surrendering an average of 236 yards per game (21st in the NFL). The secondary, a unit that has struggled all year, will have a tall task against Brees, who was able to throw for 359 yards in the first Saints/Panthers meeting back in Week 5. The pass rush will also be a bit muted for Carolina, as they will most likely be without top sacker DE Charles Johnson (doubtful – back).

The unavailability of Johnson and a hot Saints passing game will ultimately prove to be too much for the Panthers. New Orleans still has a lot to play for, and will be looking to go into the playoffs with all cylinders firing. The Saints will be without WR Lance Moore, who re-injured his hamstring last week against Atlanta, so look for Brees to look to Colston and Graham on 3rd downs. RB Darren Sproles, who is 2nd on the team in receptions, will also have a huge impact in catching passes out of the backfield and in the slot.

Run Offense

The Saints will be without RB Mark Ingram for another game. Ingram’s availability, however, hasn’t caused any disruptions in the Saints’ overall rushing attack. New Orleans averages 127.9 yards per game (9th in the NFL), and does so with a deep rotation of backs. Filling in for Ingram in his absence has been 2nd year pro Chris Ivory, who has looked very impressive when he is called upon to be a between the tackles runner. Pierre Thomas continues to be consistent as dual running/receiving threat, and Darren Sproles has flourished in his first year in Sean Payton’s offense. Each back brings something different to the table, and the entire unit is one that is maybe one of the most balanced in the NFL.

The Panthers give up a substantial amount of rushing yards, allowing an average of 125.7 yards per game (21st in the NFL). The defensive line is currently in a state of disarray, lacking the consistency needed to thwart the league’s top rushing teams.

Offensive line play will be the key for the Saints in setting up a successful running game. New Orleans has the advantage over a woeful Panthers defensive line, and that should be exposed early on. Look for Chris Ivory to be the main ballcarrier in this one; Payton will try to rest Thomas and Sproles as much as possible heading into the playoffs.

Matchup to Watch

Saints WR Marques Colston vs. Panthers CB Chris Gamble. Gamble, Carolina’s top corner, will have his hands full against Colston. With the absence of Lance Moore, look for Brees to throw more balls in the direction of Colston, who is 2 yards short of 1000 receiving yards this season. Colston’s presence will also open up lanes for the speedy combo of Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem, both of whom could have huge games.