With nothing on the line for the top-seeded New Orleans Saints in Sunday's regular-season finale vs. the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Panthers grabbed a 23-0 halftime lead.

The Panthers (6-9) scored on a 1-yard run by quarterback Kyle Allen, a 15-yard run by Cameron Artis-Payne, an 8-yard pass from Allen to Ian Thomas and a 22-yard field goal by Chandler Catanzaro. Allen is playing in place of regular starter Cam Newton, who was inactive. The Panthers' first three scoring drives went 75 yards, 89 yards and 90 yards.

Teddy Bridgewater started at quarterback in place of Drew Brees, who was inactive. Bridgewater had some nice plays but playing behind an almost all-reserve offensive line couldn't get the Saints (13-2) in the end zone. Running back Alvin Kamara was another healthy inactive.

Left tackle Andrus Peat left the game with a hand injury. Defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins and Alex Okafor briefly left the game but both returned.

Key Saints stats

Teddy Bridgewater, 7 of 10 for 56 yards

Mark Ingram, five carries for 28 yards

Michael Thomas, two catches for 12 yards