UPDATE: The Carolina Panthers are on the brink of clinching their first playoff spot since 2015, but they must secure a win against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, December 21, 2025. The stakes are high—victory is essential, and they need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lose to the Miami Dolphins to maintain their grip on the NFC South division lead.
As the Panthers prepare for this pivotal game at Bank of America Stadium, quarterback Bryce Young emphasizes the team’s focus. “We can’t look over our shoulders. We can’t worry about what-if,” Young stated. “We have our hands full making sure that we’re the best we can be throughout the week.”
Currently, Carolina holds a narrow one-game lead over Tampa Bay with just two weeks left in the regular season. If the Buccaneers win against Miami, the Panthers will have to face them once again on January 4, 2025, for another chance at the playoffs.
The Panthers have alternated wins and losses, reaching an 8-7 record, whereas Tampa Bay has struggled, winning just one of their last seven games to sit at 7-8. Young has been pivotal in this season, leading the team in 12 games with game-winning drives in the fourth quarter.
Despite their division lead, Carolina has only one player, cornerback Jaycee Horn, selected for the NFC Pro Bowl, highlighting a lack of recognition compared to other teams. “All that stuff is external. All the guys just want to come in and win,” Young remarked, signaling the team’s commitment to success above all else.
The matchup kicks off at noon on Sunday, with crucial implications not only for the Panthers but for the entire NFC playoff picture. Fans and analysts alike will be glued to their screens, not just for the game but to see if Carolina can capitalize on this rare opportunity to return to the postseason.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach kickoff, and make sure to catch the action live this Sunday!
