Saints Visit Panthers In NFC South Showdown

(Charlotte, NC) -- First place is on the line this week in the NFC South on "Thursday Night Football" as the New Orleans Saints take on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints can overtake Carolina for the top spot by avoiding an eighth straight regular-season road loss. Behind 311 passing yards and three touchdowns from Drew Brees, New Orleans earned a 44-23 home victory over Green Bay last weekend.

The Saints are now 3-4 overall. Carolina has gone 0-3-and-1 since a 2-0 start. Seattle came from behind and scored with 47 seconds left to defeat the Panthers 13-9 at home on Sunday. The Saints and Panthers split their two regular-season meetings last year, with each winning at home.

Rams Practice For 49ers

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams are back at practice today as they get set to play the 49ers Sunday at Levi's Stadium.  It's the second meeting of the season between the teams, with San Francisco winning 31-17 in St. Louis in Week Six. The Rams are 2-5 on the year, while the 49ers are 4-3.

Guard Brandon Washington is joining the Rams active roster. The 26-year-old has been promoted from the practice squad to fill the final spot on the 53-man roster. Washington takes the spot of wide receiver Brian Quick, who is on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury.

Thursday, October 30 Schedule (Time Central)

NFL

7:25 p.m. - New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

NCAA Top-25 Football  ("USA Today" Rankings)

6:30 p.m. - #2 Florida State Seminoles at Louisville Cardinals