Mike Tolbert: 'Carolina Panthers should be favourites'

Mike Tolbert has said that it is "absolutely ridiculous" that the Carolina Panthers are considered the underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Panthers won the NFC South, are the second seed in their conference and beat the 49ers during the regular season, but the fifth seeds are considered the favourites ahead of their playoff game tomorrow.

The Pro Bowl fullback told the Charlotte Observer: "I can't speak for everybody else, but personally, yes, I do [feel disrespected].

"To me, it's absolutely ridiculous why we're the underdogs at home when we're 7-1 at home, when we beat teams that are in the same caliber as San Francisco, if not better. Personally I got a bad taste in my mouth about it."

The Panthers are in the post-season for the first time since 2008.