Another big NFL showdown with huge NFC South implications takes place Thursday night as Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints will face each other on NFL Thursday Night Football. 

These two teams are both tied for first in the same division, the NFC South. This division has been the worst in the National Football League this season.

Amazingly, not a single team in the division has a winning record after eight weeks of play. The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (other two NFC South teams) have a combined 3-12 record.

Let's see who has the edge Thursday night:

New Orleans Saints (3-4)

This New Orleans Saints team is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Saints are the best football team when playing home -- they're unbeatable. The last time they lost a home game under Sean Payton was the 2011 NFL season. But, they're pretty bad on the road as they have lost their last seven road games.

The Saints are 3-0 this season at home, and 0-4 on the road.

Quarterback Drew Brees has 14 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 97.4 passer rating. The offense is hardly the biggest issue in New Orleans, but they are turning the ball over. Establishing a run game has been difficult, but the Saints' offensive line has been impressive. Jimmy Graham has been having a quiet season with a team-leading 435 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Brandin Cooks and Marques Colston have been great as well.

The defense is a different story. The Saints' defense ranks No. 28 overall, and the season-ending injury to safety Jairus Byrd doesn't make things any easier. The Saints' pass defense is the second worst in all of football.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has never been more frustrated:

Carolina Panthers (3-4-1)

The Carolina Panthers don't have an impressive record, but with three victories, they are tied for first place in the NFC South. After starting the season off 2-0, the Panthers have won just one of their last six games.

Cam Newton has been inconsistent this season, but his mobility has made for a lot of passing mistakes. Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has been fantastic this season with 571 yards and five touchdowns. There's a good chance we could see Benjamin win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award this season. Tight end Greg Olsen is second on the team with 509 yards and five touchdowns.

Because DeAngelo Williams has been hurt so often this season, Jonathan Stewart leads the team with just 217 rushing yards, and Newton has 214 rushing yards himself. So far, the Panthers have the No. 28 ranked rushing offense. The Saints' defense isn't very good, but the Panthers need to establish a run game.

Last year's Defensive Player of the Year winner Luke Kuechly has been outstanding with a team-leading 54 tackles.

Schedule, Where to Watch

The Saints and Panthers will face off at 8:25 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 30  on the NFL Network. The game will be played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fans can view a live game stream here.

Predictions

This will be the first of two meetings between these two NFC South teams. Both are very flawed, which is why they each have just three wins this season. In the end, the Saints just haven't shown they can win on the road. Newton should have a good game throwing to Olsen and Benjamin, while the Saints struggle to get defensive stops.

Panthers win 23-20

For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter

FOR MORE NFL NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE