Someone in the league office looked into their crystal ball earlier this year and sensed the NFC South title would come down to the Panthers and Buccaneers.

The Panthers still can win the NFC South, but the path to do that is much more difficult than if they'd beaten the Saints.

The Panthers fell to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, losing a 10-point lead in the second half to drop into a tie with Tampa Bay in the NFC South.

What lies ahead for inconsistent Carolina is the aforementioned with the Bucs, a clash with the formidable Seahawks in Charlotte, and a rematch with the Buccaneers at Tampa in Week 18. That’s not an easy path, and that “winnable game” is against a Saints' team that held Carolina to season lows in points (7) and total yards (175) in Week 10.

Charlie Smyth kicked a 47-yard field goal late in regulation, lifting the Saints to a 20-17 comeback victory over the playoff-hopeful Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers are as competitive as they’ve been in some time. So, naturally, some of their standout players should be recognized for it.

Good news: at least to begin this stretch one analyst sees McMillan as a strong play. The Big Lead has McMillan ranked among the NFL's top 15 wide receivers for Week 15.