The Panthers can make the playoffs in 2025, either by beating the Buccaneers on Saturday or watching the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday. If that happens, Carolina will enter a very specific history.
Via Doug Clawson of CBS Sports, the 8-8 Panthers would be the first team since the 1970 merger to make the playoffs. despite no victory as favorite.
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The 3-13 Jets also have no wins as favorites. Obviously, they won’t make the playoffs. (Again.)
The Panthers are not favored in Week 18 at Tampa Bay. If the Panthers win the NFC South, they’;; will undoubtedly be a significant outsider in the wild-card round, against the Seahawks, the 49ers or the Rams.
Carolina’s wins in 2025 include victories against two NFC playoff teams – against the Packers and at home against the Rams. If the Panthers make the playoffs, they will have no expectations. They’ll hear talking heads say all week long that they’re one of the worst teams to ever reach the playoffs.
This gives the Panthers a natural advantage, without any pressure to win. The No. 5 seed (whoever it is) could overtake the Panthers, especially with (if the Bears and Eagles win their home wild card games) a rematch against the NFC West rival that wins the No. 1 seed (49ers or Seahawks).
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Carolina has already beaten LA, despite being a 10.5 point underdog. While there’s a good chance they won’t catch the Rams napping again, the Seahawks or 49ers could be vulnerable to a Charlotte upset.
