New Orleans' win was sealed by kicker Charlie Smyth, who hit a 47-yard field goal with two seconds left. That field goal was set up by a costly 15-yard penalty committed by Panthers safety Lathan Ransom, who hit Saints quarterback Tyler Shough while he was sliding, turning what would have been a 62-yard field goal into a 47-yard field goal.

Carolina had one task on Sunday at the Superdome. When it was all said and done, the Panthers faded in the fourth quarter and failed to get the job done.

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.

Charlie Smyth kicks a 47-yard field goal with six seconds left on the clock to give the New Orleans Saints a 20-17 win over division rivals Carolina Panthers.

The box score from Bryce Young's outing against the New Orleans Saints isn't all that inspiring, but it doesn't exactly paint an accurate picture. The Carolina

I don’t want to get into the specifics of the breakdowns, of all that, but these are base calls that we have to be more connected on.”

With their top three running backs all sidelined by injury, Audric Estime gave the Saints a shot in the arm with two big catches on the final drive Sunday vs. Carolina.

Expert recap and game analysis of the New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers NFL game from December 14, 2025 on ESPN.

Shough routinely lit up Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele, as both receivers finished with 6 and 5 catches, respectively. Olave hauled in the game-tying touchdown with 2:33 left in regulation. Shough is putting pressure on the Saints, and it is very welcome.