Week 17 and the end of the regular season are upon us.  There are a number of matchups worth watching this week, but quite possibly the most entertaining (and the least significant) is Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.  Both quarterbacks have had underwhelming seasons, and their teams have been big disappointments, but have managed to get things together and have played much better recently.

After a stellar rookie campaign (including NFL Rookie of the Year honors) last season, Newton has spent most of this season seriously regressing, making questionable decisions and pouting like a child.  However, since Week 12 at Philadelphia, Newton has returned to his winning ways, dominated defenses to the tune of 1,226 passing yards, 313 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns(10 passing and four rushing); with a 4-1 record.  While he’s still pouting and generally not displaying good leadership qualities: he has played lights out and has Carolina back on track headed into next season.  They aren’t going to make the playoffs this year, but a huge performance from Cam and a win is exactly what Carolina needs. 

Brees and the Saints have had a very rough season without head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines.  Despite leading the league in passing yards (4,781) and touchdowns (39), Brees also leads the league in interceptions with 18, which is the second most he’s thrown in a season.  After losing three straight games, in which Brees threw nine interceptions and only four touchdowns, he’s bounced back very nicely over the last two games; throwing for 753 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.  Brees and the Saints are determined to end their season with a three game winning streak. 

This is going to be a great, high-octane game that is sure to entertain.  Carolina will look to unleash Newton against a Saints’ defense that is giving up the most total yards per game (434) and the second most passing yards (295), but they’ll need to be careful: New Orleans is tied for third with 18 interceptions.  Cam has been known to try and force throws when he’s frustrated, and the Saints will take full advantage if that happens. 
In the end though, Brees has more potent targets than Newton, and too many for Carolina to successfully cover.  I think both quarterbacks will have good individual performances, but Brees and the Saints will end their season on a high note with the win.

For those involved in fantasy leagues that are still active, here are the fantasy projections:
Drew Brees 23 points and Cam Newton 20 points.