3 Biggest X-Factors For Panthers to Take Down Saints in Week 10

The Carolina Panthers are currently on a three-game losing streak as they prepare for a massive game this week.

Carolina will be heading on the road to take on the rival New Orleans Saints in what is the biggest game of the year. The Panthers are coming off a tough loss to the Denver Broncos last week, sending them to 3-5 for the year.

New Orleans will be coming into the game with a 3-5 record as well, with both teams struggling to find any consistency this season. The two teams are tied for the lead in the NFC South division, giving the winner of this game an edge.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Panthers to break the losing streak and take down the Saints this week:

1. Bryce Young Plays Like MVP

After a hot start to the season, Bryce Young has cooled off over the last few weeks, coinciding with the Panthers' losing streak. Young has to get back to form, and facing off against a shaky Saints defense could be the key.

The signal-caller was playing like an MVP earlier in the year, and now it's time for him to rekindle the magic this week against New Orleans. Overall, Young has thrown for 2,197 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

2. Get Running Game Going

One way to help out Young is to get the running game going strong again, which would open up the entire offense. Running back Chuba Hubbard has been good this season, rushing for 619 yards and five scores, but he has been slowed of late.

Hubbard hasn't topped the 100-yard mark in three straight games, and the Panthers should be trying to establish the run early in this matchup. Carolina has proven that they can run the ball this season, and now is the time to make it happen again.

3. Keep Tyler Shough in Pocket

Facing the Saints means that the Panthers' defense will have to make sure that they contain quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough can be a dual-threat when on the field, but he is dangerous when he can get out of the pocket to extend plays.

Carolina's unit will be tasked with pressuring Shough, but keeping him as a thrower, more so in this game. And if they can do this, the Panthers should be able to take care of business in this massive contest.