Two Growls One Roar: A Carolina Panthers Podcast

The Carolina Panthers offseason is officially HERE!

With 25 players hitting the open market and a fresh crop of Reserve/Futures signings in the building, we break down the Carolina roster by the numbers. From Rico Dowdle's value to the search for Ekwonu's temporary replacement, we're talking cap space and core pieces.

It was absolutely bonkers at Bank of America Stadium as the Panthers took the Rams to the limit in a 34-31 thriller. We break down every lead change, including the historic Isaiah Simmons blocked punt that put Carolina ahead and the heartbreaking 4th-down drop by Jimmy Horn Jr. that ultimately ended the season. Plus, we look at how Matthew Stafford managed to "snatch our hearts" in the final 38 seconds and Dave Canales' explanation for the "soft coverage" prevent defense on the final drive.

The 12-5 Los Angeles Rams head to Charlotte to face the 8-9 Carolina Panthers in a high-stakes Wild Card rematch of their Week 13 thriller. Matthew Stafford is looking to shake off a three-turnover nightmare from the first meeting, while Bryce Young tries to keep his fourth-quarter "aura" alive at home. Can Carolina's "slow death" run game pull off another upset, or will the NFL's most prolific scoring offense finally break through?.

Despite a heartbreaking 16-14 loss in the Tampa rain, the Carolina Panthers are officially headed to the playoffs! In this video, we break down a gritty defensive battle where Bryce Young and the offense struggled to find a rhythm until a late 4th-quarter surge. We'll discuss Tetairoa McMillan's record-breaking day, the botched flea-flicker that shifted momentum, and how the Atlanta Falcons' victory over the Saints ultimately handed the NFC South crown to Carolina.The Panthers finish the season at 8-9, but a division title means a Home Playoff Game is coming to Bank of America Stadium! We're diving into the highlights, the tiebreaker scenarios that saved the season, and what this team needs to fix before the Wild Card round.

It all comes down to this! The Carolina Panthers (8-8) head to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) this Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST. With the NFC South title and the No. 4 seed on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher for this national broadcast on ABC and ESPN.In this preview, we break down:The Playoff Path: Carolina clinches the division with a win or a tie. If Tampa Bay wins, they must wait for a Saints victory over the Falcons on Sunday to officially secure their fifth straight division crown.Week 16 Rematch: We revisit the first meeting where Carolina secured a 23-20 victory, highlighted by a game-sealing interception from rookie Lathan Ransom following a miscommunication between Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans.The Mayfield vs. Young Matchup: Bryce Young looks to overcome a 4-19 career road record, while a physically compromised Baker Mayfield attempts to lead his team through a four-game losing streak despite shoulder and knee injuries.Stat Benchmarking: We look at the data from teamrankings.com, specifically Tampa Bay's struggling 30th-ranked red-zone defense (68.3% TD rate allowed) against Carolina's 13th-ranked unit.Injury Updates: Latest on the availability of Pro Bowl tackle Tristan Wirfs and the cleared status of Panthers running back Rico Dowdle.Can Dave Canales lead the Panthers to a "worst-to-first" finish against his former team, or will the Buccaneers' dynasty hold strong?

The Carolina Panthers (8-8) head to Tampa Bay (7-9) for a massive Saturday afternoon showdown with the NFC South title on the line! In this episode, we break down the latest news from Mint Street, including Bryce Young being voted Offensive MVP by his teammates and the season-ending injury to rookie TE Ja'Tavion Sanders. We also dive into the "Atlanta Chaos" tiebreaker that could give the Panthers the division even with a loss, and answer your mailbag questions about Derrick Brown's Pro Bowl snub and the Week 18 game plan.

The Carolina Panthers' offense hit a wall in Charlotte today as they fell 27-10 to a dominant Seattle Seahawks defense. What started as a gritty 3-3 defensive battle at the half completely unraveled in the third quarter after back-to-back turnovers gave Sam Darnold and Zach Charbonnet all the help they needed to seal the game. Bryce Young was held to just 54 passing yards, and while he found the end zone with his legs, the 1-of-11 third-down efficiency tells the real story.In this video, we're breaking down the turning points, including that deflating Jaycee Horn facemask penalty and the season-ending injury to Ja'Tavion Sanders. We also look ahead to next week's "win-and-in" scenario against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Is the NFC South still within reach? Let's talk about it.

The "Clutch King" has arrived! Bryce Young recently became the youngest QB in NFL history to record 11 fourth-quarter comebacks, and he'll need that magic this week as Carolina (8-7) tries to clinch the NFC South. To do it, they must take down a Seattle team that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 24 straight games. We dive into the clinching scenarios, the return of Robert Hunt to the offensive line, and how Jaycee Horn plans to shadow Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Carolina just pulled off a massive 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to take over first place in the NFC South! From Bryce Young's ice-cold composure to Lathan Ransom's game-sealing interception, we're breaking down everything from this Week 16 thriller.In this episode:Bryce Young's Growth: 2 TDs and another game-winning drive.Defensive Redemption: Lathan Ransom goes from goat to HERO.Playoff Picture: What the Panthers need to clinch the division next week.Bucs Meltdown: Why Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans couldn't get on the same page.Is Carolina finally for real? Let us know in the comments! #KeepPounding #Panthers #NFL #NFCSouth

On today's episode we preview the Carolina Panthers crucial matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16!

On this episode we break down all the latest Panthers news including their updated playoff odds.

The NFC South has turned into a gladiatorial stalemate. With both the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers sitting at 7-7, the race for the playoffs has become a "Winner Take All" cage match. In this episode, we break down the 120-minute war that will decide the division and why the "Wild Card" safety net has completely evaporated

The Carolina Panthers just handed the season to the New Orleans Saints in the most frustrating way possible. In this video, I'm breaking down everything that went wrong—from the awful play-calling to the defense disappearing when it mattered most

On today's episode we preview Panthers vs. Saints and discuss the Panthers path to the playoffs!

From 2 wins to the Playoff Hunt!

The Carolina Panthers are back from the bye week and locked in!

The Carolina Panthers are tied for 1st in the NFC South with 4 games to go... lets break it down!

The Carolina Panthers are 7-6. They just beat the Rams. They are one game behind Tampa Bay for the NFC South lead. So why does it still feel like we are waiting for the other shoe to drop?In this week's Panthers Mailbag, we are skipping the contract talk and the owner drama to focus strictly on the football. We break down the confusing "Identity" of this team, debate whether the playoffs are actually realistic, and have a difficult conversation about the Wide Receiver room.In this episode:The "Imposter Syndrome" Check: We are over .500 in December for the first time in years. Are we actually a "good" team, or are we just the Kings of Trash Mountain?Rookie Report Card: Grading Dan Morgan's 2025 Class. We know Tetairoa McMillan is a star, but what about the rest?WR1 Controversy: T-Mac has arrived, but Xavier Legette has vanished. Is there room for both in this offense?The 2026 Draft Dilemma: If we make the playoffs, we lose our top 10 pick. Do we trade up for a Pass Rusher or fix the Secondary?Identity Crisis: 13 weeks in... can ANYONE explain what Panthers football is supposed to look like?

On this deep-dive episode , we strip away the hype and look strictly at the data behind the Carolina Panthers' stunning 7-6 resurgence. Is the playoff push real, or is it a statistical mirage? We break down the Win Probability models for the NFC South race, analyzing why the "Sweep vs. Split" scenarios against Tampa Bay change the math entirely. Plus, we explore the financial implications of Bryce Young's breakout month—why the $26M 5th-year option is now a "no-brainer"—and build the metric-based resume for Dave Canales as Coach of the Year using EPA/Play and 4th-down variance data.

The New RealityThe events of the last 48 hours have rewritten the script for the 2025 Carolina Panthers.They are Contenders: A 31-28 win over the Rams proves they can beat playoff-caliber teams.They have a Quarterback: Bryce Young's historic efficiency and clutch play have silenced critics for the moment.They have a Defense: The unit creates turnovers even without its stars.They have a Path: The NFC South title is winnable if they handle business against Tampa Bay.As the team disperses for the bye week, the message from Dave Canales is clear: the preseason narrative is dead. The new story is about a team peaking at the right time, with a legitimate shot to host a playoff game in January. For a franchise that was left for dead in November, that is the ultimate news headline.

NO ONE saw this coming! The Carolina Panthers just pulled off the upset of the year, taking down the red-hot Los Angeles Rams 31-28 at Bank of America Stadium!

The Carolina Panthers suffered a frustrating 20-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.The story wasn't the defense—it was the offense's inability to capitalize! We recap the game, look at why the Panthers could only muster 9 points despite getting THREE first-half interceptions on Brock Purdy, and break down where Bryce Young and the O-Line fell short against the Niners' dominant defensive front.

Monday Night Football just got a whole lot more interesting! The Carolina Panthers (6-5) roll into Levi's Stadium to face the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) in a critical NFC showdown with massive playoff implications.This game features two young quarterbacks finding their rhythm:Brock Purdy is back and looking like his Super Bowl-contending self, leading an explosive 49ers offense.Bryce Young is finally lighting up the stat sheet, coming off a record-breaking performance for Carolina.In this video, we break down:The X-factors for both offenses.Which defense has the edge on Monday night.Our final score prediction and why this feels like a playoff environment.Like, Subscribe, and let us know who you think will win!#NFL #Panthers49ers #MondayNightFootball #NFLWeek12 #BryceYoung #BrockPurdy

Don't count them out! After Bryce Young's RECORD-BREAKING game and a huge OT win, the Carolina Panthers are 6-5 and firmly in the playoff hunt.But can they complete the comeback?In this video, we break down the TWO realistic paths the Panthers have to the postseason.Path 1: Win the NFC SouthThe Buccaneers are only a half-game ahead, and the Panthers play them TWO TIMES (Weeks 16 & 18). We look at the remaining schedules for both teams and show you why Carolina controls its own destiny.Path 2: The NFC Wild CardThis path is a gauntlet. The Panthers are chasing the 49ers, Seahawks, and Packers. We'll show you the current standings and what it will take to leapfrog the competition.The road is tough, with the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks still on the schedule. But with Bryce Young heating up, is this team ready to shock the league? Let us know your prediction in the comments!#CarolinaPanthers #KeepPounding #NFLPlayoffs #BryceYoung #NFL

Quarterback Bryce Young put on an absolute masterclass, bouncing back from an early injury scare to throw for a franchise-record 448 yards and three touchdowns, cementing one of the most resilient performances in team history.Epic Rally: Watch the Panthers claw their way back from a massive 21-7 deficit in the first half.Record-Breaking QB: See every big throw from Bryce Young's historic 448-yard day, including his go-ahead TD late in the 4th quarter.OT Thriller: The final, decisive plays, capped by a 54-yard pass to Tommy Tremble to set up the game-winning field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald.Key Plays: Includes highlights from Tetairoa McMillan (8 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs) and the clutch defensive stops.This incredible divisional victory completes the season sweep against the Falcons and keeps the Panthers firmly in the NFC South race!Don't forget to like and subscribe for more Panthers highlights and analysis!#Panthers #Falcons #BryceYoung #NFLHighlights #NFLWhat's Inside:

On today's episode we preview the week 11 matchup between the Panthers & Falcons!

On today's episode we dive deeper into the Carolina Panthers loss from Sunday.

The Panthers' playoff momentum came to a sudden, screeching halt. In a truly disappointing performance, Carolina fell flat at home, losing 17-7 to the New Orleans Saints (2-8), dropping the team back to a 5-5 record.We break down everything that went wrong in a tough divisional loss:What Went Wrong:Run Game Stalled:The Saints successfully stacked the box, limiting Rico Dowdle to a season-low 53 yards. When the run game stops, the offense has NO ANSWERTurnover Trouble: QB Bryce Young struggled, committing two costly second-half turnovers (a fumble and a poor interception) that killed promising drives.Lack of Balance:** The passing game was virtually non-existent, generating just 124 yards through the air. The offense could not move the ball when forced to throw.The Upset: The Panthers played as the heavily favored team but were physically dominated from the second quarter on, proving they couldn't handle the pressure of expectation.What does this loss mean for the rest of the season? Can the team recover and find a much-needed passing attack? Let us know your reaction in the comments!#KeepPounding #Panthers #Saints #NFLRecap #BryceYoung #RicoDowdle #NFCSouth #NFLWeek10

On today's episode we preview the #panthers & #saints!

II. NFL Trade Deadline UpdatesThe Panthers were generally quiet on the final day of the NFL Trade Deadline (4 p.m. EST), choosing not to make any major trades.The team did execute several practice squad roster moves:Released: QB Hendon Hooker, OLB Carlos Basham, and OT Michael Tarquin.Signed to Practice Squad: RB DeeJay Dallas, DB Israel Mukuamu, and G Ja'Tyre Carter.III. Looking AheadThe team's 5-4 record has ignited conversations about a potential NFC playoff push, driven by strong late-season form.The Panthers' next game is a crucial NFC South matchup at home against the New Orleans Saints.

YouTube Video DescriptionThe Carolina Panthers secured a massive road upset, defeating the Green Bay Packers 16-13, and officially climbed above the.500 mark with a 5-4 record! This video breaks down the pivotal strategic shift that fueled the win and Head Coach Dave Canales' candid post-game assessment on November 3.Inside the Upset:Rico Dowdle Takes the Reins: After weeks of splitting touches, Canales made the definitive switch, naming Rico Dowdle the lead back. Dowdle responded with a dominant performance, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns, validating the coaching staff's decision to commit to a ground-first identity. Canales praised the running back's "aggression and violence" that energized the entire sideline.Canales Accepts Blame: Despite the emotional victory, Coach Canales took a hard line on accountability, declaring himself the "common denominator" for persistent execution issues, including pre-snap penalties and having too many men on the field. He mandated an immediate operational clean-up ahead of Week 10.Ekwonu's Career Day: Left Tackle Ikem Ekwonu had a phenomenal outing, completely neutralizing All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. Ekwonu was credited with zero quarterback pressures for the first time in Parsons' career, cementing the tackle's status as a key cornerstone for the franchise.Clutch Finish: The victory was sealed by rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, who confidently hit a 49-yard walk-off field goal with one second left, marking his second game-winner of the season.Looking Ahead:The Panthers earned their first "Victory Monday" and now shift focus to a critical NFC South divisional showdown at home against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. We examine the latest injury updates, including the questionable status of Center Cade Mays (Ankle), and analyze the challenges the team must overcome to sustain this winning momentum.

Rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald delivered ice in his veins, hitting a 49-yard walk-off field goal with 1 second left on the clock to secure the unexpected road victory. The Panthers defense played lights out, holding the Packers' high-powered offense to just one touchdown and dominating in the red zone.

Get ready for Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season! The Carolina Panthers (4-4) head to historic Lambeau Field to take on the scorching hot Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) on Sunday, November 2nd, at 1:00 PM ET on FOX.In this video, we break down everything you need to know for this inter-conference matchup:✅ Key Storylines: Can the Panthers rebound after a tough loss last week, potentially with QB Bryce Young returning from injury? Will Jordan Love and the Packers' offense continue their high-powered run after three straight wins?✅ Matchup Deep Dive: We analyze the critical battles, including the Panthers' top-5 rushing attack against Green Bay's elite run defense, and how Carolina's offensive line will hold up against the Packers' dominant pass rush led by Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary.✅ Injury Report: The latest updates on players like Bryce Young, Taylor Moton, and Green Bay's key offensive playmakers.✅ Picks & Predictions: Who will win and why? We give our final score prediction and which team we think covers the double-digit spread!Don't miss a minute of the action!Game Details:Teams: Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay PackersDate: Sunday, November 2nd, 2025Time: 1:00 PM ETLocation: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WITV/Stream: FOX

The Carolina Panthers' backfield has become one of the biggest talking points in the NFL! After Rico Dowdle's explosive performances filling in for an injured Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers now have a serious dilemma: who should be the lead running back?In this video, we dive deep into the film and analyze the advanced statistics to determine the best option for the Panthers' offense moving forward.What we cover:

On today's episode we discuss the latest Carolina Panthers news, including waiving a former draft pick, signing an OLB, and more!

The Buffalo Bills took care of business in a major way, beating the Carolina Panthers 40-9! James Cook was unstoppable on the ground, and the Bills' offense was in full control. Relive the best moments, including Cook's 216-yard explosion, Josh Allen's touchdowns, and the game-changing defensive plays.

Get ready for Week 8! This video breaks down everything from Dave Canales' latest press conference as the Carolina Panthers prepare for a massive home game against the Buffalo Bills.The biggest question looming over Charlotte is the status of quarterback Bryce Young, who is "day-to-day" with an ankle injury. We analyze Canales' comments on Young's progress, the plan to push him this week, and the increasing likelihood of veteran Andy Dalton starting under center.In this video, we cover:Bryce Young Injury Update: Canales' definitive statement on his availability for Sunday.The Bills Matchup: How Canales plans to attack a tough Bills team coming off their bye week and what makes Buffalo so dangerous.Offensive Game Plan: The focus on the running back rotation (Dowdle/Hubbard) and what changes the offense will make if Dalton is the QB.Defensive Confidence: Praise for the defense's recent performance and the challenge of slowing down the Bills' high-powered attack.Don't miss the key takeaways from the coach before the Panthers look to keep their winning streak alive!#Panthers #BuffaloBills #BryceYoung #DaveCanales #NFLWeek8 #PanthersVsBills #AndyDalton #NFLPreview

On today's episode we give you the latest news from today' s practice for the Carolina Panthers.

On today's episode we discuss Xavier Legette's recent performance, the teams schedule,and the chances against the Buffalo Bills.

In this video, we break down every key quote from Dave Canales' post-game press conference following the physical win over the Jets, focused on the injury status of QB Bryce Young and the team's new identity.

The Carolina Panthers showed grit on the road, taking down the New York Jets in a hard-fought battle! We break down the full Week 7 matchup, which turned into a defensive slugfest.In this video:Key defensive stops and turnovers that swung the momentum.Offensive takeaways and what worked (and didn't).The final drive that sealed the victory.Analysis of the team's performance and what this means for their season moving forward.Drop a comment with your MVP of the game!

On today's episode I give my final thoughts ahead of the Jets vs. Panthers matchup in week 7!

The 3-3 Carolina Panthers head to MetLife Stadium to face the 0-6 New York Jets in Week 7! Is this a dangerous trap game for Carolina coming off two straight wins? We break down the key matchups: Can Rico Dowdle keep his incredible run going against the Jets' tough defense? Will Bryce Young continue his progression and take advantage of the potential absence of Jets star WR Garrett Wilson? Plus, we discuss the pressure mounting on Justin Fields and the struggling Jets offense. Full prediction, injury report updates, and keys to the game!#JetsVsPanthers #NYJets #CarolinaPanthers #NFLWeek7 #NFLPrediction #JustinFields #BryceYoung

The Carolina Panthers are 3-3, and it's all thanks to the run game. Rico Dowdle's back-to-back 200+ scrimmage yard performances have been explosive, but now Chuba Hubbard is returning from injury. Head Coach Dave Canales faces his biggest strategic test yet: How does he manage the two-headed monster?We dive deep into the Raging Backfield Debate, the fan critique that Hubbard is being "severely under-utilized" as a receiver, and the massive contract dilemma Dowdle's breakout has created for GM Dan Morgan. Plus, the critical Patrick Jones II season-ending injury and what it means for rookie Nic Scourton in a must-win "trap game" against the 0-6 New York Jets.

The Carolina Panthers reached a critical inflection point this week, securing a 3-3 record after a thrilling 30-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Head Coach Dave Canales addressed the media on Monday, October 13, tackling the biggest personnel and cultural questions facing the suddenly competitive team.   RUNNING BACK CONTROVERSY: The major topic was the running back position, where Rico Dowdle's franchise-record 473 scrimmage yards in the last two weeks have created a dilemma with the anticipated return of veteran starter Chuba Hubbard (Calf). Canales remained intentionally non-committal on the starting role, calling it a "good problem to have," but confirmed Dowdle "will be a big part of what we're doing" moving forward.   COACHING CULTURE: Canales doubled down on his philosophical leadership approach by declaring himself the "common denominator" in the team's overall execution, committing to internal evaluation and ensuring the coaching staff prepares the players for success . He also praised Bryce Young's "consistency" and ability to maintain composure and energy after making mistakes.   INJURY AND ROSTER UPDATES: Canales provided key updates on returning players:The 21-day practice window will open this week for veteran offensive lineman Austin Corbett, who needs to prove he "can handle the physical load".   Wide receiver Jalen Coker is "really close" to returning, with this week being critical for proving his physical readiness.   The Panthers now look ahead to their Week 7 road contest against the New York Jets.   Sources and related content

The Carolina Panthers pull off a massive upset at home, taking down the Dallas Cowboys 30-27 in a thrilling Week 6 matchup!

Get ready for an NFC battle as the Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1) travel to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers (2-3) in a crucial Week 6 matchup. Both teams are coming off wins and looking to build momentum in the 2025 season.In this video, we'll break down everything you need to know before kickoff. We'll analyze the key matchups to watch, including the Panthers' improving defense against a Cowboys offense that has been putting up big numbers. We will also look at the potential impact of injuries, with the Cowboys hoping for the return of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.Can Bryce Young and the Panthers protect their home turf and pull off the upset? Or will Dak Prescott and the Cowboys prove to be too much to handle? We'll give you our predictions, the latest odds, and all the storylines heading into this exciting NFC clash.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more NFL content! Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

In one of the most shocking games of NFL Week 5, the Carolina Panthers engineered a historic 17-point comeback to stun the Miami Dolphins 27-24 in a thriller that went down to the wire.Filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, running back Rico Dowdle had the game of his life, gashing the Dolphins' defense for over 200 rushing yards and a touchdown. Despite a dominant first half from Miami, the Panthers' defense stiffened and the offense came alive, culminating in a clutch game-winning touchdown drive led by Bryce Young in the final minutes.From the Dolphins' stunning collapse to Carolina's incredible resilience, we break down all the key moments, standout plays, and critical turning points from this unforgettable matchup.Who was your MVP of the game? Let us know in the comments below!#CarolinaPanthers #MiamiDolphins #NFLHighlights #Panthers #KeepPounding #MIAvsCAR #RicoDowdle #BryceYoung #NFLComeback

A running game in question and a tough opponent ahead, the Carolina Panthers are facing a significant challenge this week as starting running back Chuba Hubbard has been officially ruled out for their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.Hubbard, who has been a central figure in the Panthers' offense, will be sidelined with a calf injury that has kept him out of practice this week. The team will now turn to Rico Dowdle to lead the ground attack, with rookie Trevor Etienne and DeeJay Dallas also expected to see an increased workload.This setback comes at a critical time for the Panthers as they prepare to face a formidable Dolphins team. In addition to Hubbard, the Panthers will also be without defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, further testing the team's depth. Several other players are listed as questionable, adding to the uncertainty heading into the weekend.Can the Panthers' offense adapt without their star rusher? Will Dowdle and the rest of the running back corps be able to step up in a crucial matchup? Join the conversation in the comments below and let us know your predictions for the game!#CarolinaPanthers #ChubaHubbard #NFLNews #PanthersFootball #MIAvsCAR

It's desperation time in Week 5 as the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, both with 1-3 records, fight to salvage their seasons. This game is more than just a win or a loss; it's about momentum and proving they can overcome early-season struggles. In this video, we'll break down the biggest storylines, from the Dolphins' offense post-Tyreek Hill to the Panthers' quest for consistency under Bryce Young. We'll offer our bold predictions, fantasy football insights, and tell you who we think will come out on top in this must-win game. Don't miss our comprehensive preview of this intriguing matchup.