The New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers meet at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday in a battle to take control of the NFC South.

Both sides boast 9-3 records going into the clash, which has major implications in the NFC playoff picture as a win for either side could see them secure a home tie in the post-season at the expense of the other.

It is a matchup between polar opposites. The Saints have one of the best offenses in the NFL and a defense on the rise after struggling last year.

Ron Rivera's side boast one of the best defenses in the NFL while their offense is starting to click into gear under former first overall pick Cam Newton.

New Orleans will be looking to bounce back after being absolutely crushed in their last outing against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, but that game could be mirrored on Sunday.

The Saints struggled with the mobility shown by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson as he evaded their pass rush and was able to throw well on the run, which undid the coverage they had in their secondary.

It just so happens the Panthers have one of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL, if not the best. Newton is built like a linebacker at 250lbs but has the pace of a normal running back.

He has frustrated several teams this year with his ability to pick up cheap yards on the ground after they believe to have him stopped for a loss. The 24-year-old has amassed 447 yards on the ground this year at an average of 5.5 yards a carry.

Saints' defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will have learned a lot and he will have to alter his aggressive style of play to ensure that his line keep Newton in the pocket to make them beat his side with his arm.

That might be easier said than done with injuries on the defensive side of the ball but Carolina's lack of talent at wide receiver, bar Steve Smith, will make it an interesting battle.

The game will more likely be decided between the battle of New Orleans' offense and the Carolina defense. Drew Brees against Luke Kuechly, Jimmy Graham against Thomas Davis, Zach Strief against Greg Hardy.

Brees and his offense, like the rest of the team, had a horror evening against the Seahawks and the Panthers will look to replicate that.

The Saints flow through tight end Graham and running backs Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.

Graham has dominated the NFL this year with 12 touchdowns and 988 receiving yards. He is Brees's go-to guy and how the Panthers decide to cover him will dictate the type of game in store.

Kuechly and co struggled to cover Rob Gronkowski against the New England Patriots three weeks ago so they may decide to alter their tactics and double cover him with a linebacker such as Kuechly or Davis, along with a safety like Mike Mitchell.

That may force Brees to attack other areas with his wide receivers led by Marques Colston and Kenny Stills who have been hit and miss this year.

Meanwhile, a running game may be out of the question for the Saints as Carolina boast the second best rush defense in the league, while Sean Payton's rushing offense ranks a lowly 23rd.

So their success will rest on the arm of Brees and if they can find success with those outside receivers it will be a long night for Carolina.

However, if the Panthers make the Saints one dimensional as Seattle did, they could well seize the initiative in the NFC South.