The 2018 NFL playoffs are officially underway!
The Wild-Card round features a marquee game on Sunday, January 7, 2018 (1/7/18) when the Carolina Panthers take on the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Kickoff is slated for 4:40 p.m. EST on FOX.
The Panthers are led by head coach Ron Rivera, quarterback Cam Newton and linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Carolina comes into the game with an 11-5 record and the NFC's No. 5 seed.
The Saints are led by head coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees and running backs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. New Orleans qualified for the postseason by winning the NFC South and captured the No. 4 seed in the NFC.
Here's how our experts see the game playing out.
Eliot Shorr-Parks: The best game of the weekend comes between two playoff tested quarterbacks in Cam Newton and Drew Brees. The Panthers are an underrated team, but the Saints at home should have too much fire. Saints 31, Panthers 27.
James Kratch: You have to be concerned about the Saints after last week's loss to the Buccaneers. But the Superdome should be enough to get them over the finish line. New Orleans might be the NFC's best team on paper, all things considered, when it is playing at its best. Saints 24, Panthers 23.
Darryl Slater: Probably the best matchup of the first weekend here. NFC South rivals, both 11-5, doing battle in what should be a rocking Superdome. We just love what Drew Brees has done this year. He advances in a shootout. Saints 45, Panthers 38.
Joe Giglio: Buckle up, NFL fans. This could be the best battle of the weekend. New Orleans' home field, running back combo and Brees will ultimately outdo a game Newton. Expect huge plays, big scoring and a classic. Saints 37, Panthers 31.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.