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Charlotte, N.C. -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera isn't downplaying the significance of this Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

When it comes to regular season games, Rivera said, "It's about as big as it gets."

The Panthers and Saints are tied atop the NFC South at 10-4 with two games remaining. The Saints, who beat the Panthers 31-13 on Dec. 8, can clinch the division and a first-round bye with a victory. The Panthers can do the same if they beat New Orleans and win at Atlanta the following week.

Rivera said the opportunity to play the Saints for the second time in three weeks -- particularly at home -- "comes at a good time" for his team after getting throttled in the Superdome.

"We get right back in the saddle and get to compete against them," Rivera said. "We don't have to wait two or three weeks down the line."

Rivera hopes that having home-field advantage Sunday turns the tide in Carolina's favor.

Read more: Carolina's Ron Rivera on game vs. New Orleans Saints: 'It's about as big as it gets' | NOLA.com

saintsfan1976

The worst thing you can do is copy what mistakes they've had beaten into memory by the coaches.

But go ahead, try it.

SmashMouth

Just Win, Saints!

saintsfan1976

Don't embarrass. S A I N T S !!!

exile

We may be down but not out.

st thomas

rivera, yea hes a douse saying in an story that lets see if they play like that on grass after the saints drummed his ass in the dome. i don't see us caring if on grass or not. its a damm big game ronald.

TheOak

How can this game be bigger than Atlanta's Super Bowl in week 12?

Isnt a Super Bowl bigger than a Division game?

Drama Llamas.