Who Are REALLY the Saints’ Biggest NFC South Rivals?

Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

#2. The Carolina Panthers

Since coming into the League in 1995, the Panthers have always maintained a slight advantage over the Saints, and currently lead the all-time series 23-19.

There’s no denying that Carolina has had the Saints’ number lately. The Saints have lost the last 3 games against the Panthers, going back to the 2014 regular season.

The Panthers have also filled the void left by the Saints’ recent decline, as they’ve won the division championship three years in a row.

The rivalry has heated up in the last 5 years or so, even coming to blows in at the Superdome in 2014. The Panthers absolutely embarrassed the Saints, demolishing them 41-10, on their own turf.

Dec 7, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Referees break up Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) after Newton scored a touchdown in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Carolina Panthers defeated the Saints 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

It was around this time that the refrain began in the NFL that the Saints had lost the “domefield” advantage.

If relations between the Panthers and Saints stay as heated as they have of late, it’s entirely possible that the Panthers could wind up being the number one most hated team on this list.

However, until that happens; the Who Dat Nation will always care (or hate) the most about this next rival, in a head-to-head rivalry that dates back decades.

Next: Dirty Birds