The New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks are enjoying incredibly successful 2013 campaigns at the top of the NFC, but on Monday Night only one of these teams will emerge as the leader heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

The timing of the game is unfortunate for Seattle after its defensive players have continued to suffer injuries as well as suspensions. Cornerback Brandon Browner is nursing a groin injury while Walter Thurmond was suspended for going against the league's substance abuse policy.

Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll would have wanted to see his stars suit up but he also understands that he has to keep a positive attitude down the stretch to keep things steady.

"We're still trying to work through it. I'll say it again, I've always found myself looking for guys that maybe other people don't see something special in and we take a chance on a guy here or there that needs some extra consideration and care," Carroll said. "And sometimes guys they have issues and things pop up but I've always been kind of hopeful and make guys find the best in them and bring it out. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't."

The Saints and Seahawks are neck to neck in a tight fight to earn the number one seed in the NFC, which would give the top team a first round playoff bye as well as the luxury of playing all playoff games at home.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees is hoping to take advantage of the depleted Panthers defense; Brees is number one in the NFC in passing yards and second only to Peyton Manning overall. Brees has also tossed 28 touchdown passes this year to put him in second behind Manning in that category as well. His counterpart Russell Wilson is also having a standout year as the young quarterback has only thrown six interceptions while completing 19 touchdown passes.

Tonight's NFC showdown is slated for 8:30 p.m. in Seattle.