The Carolina Panthers are in the discussion of the most surprising teams in 2025.

These frisky cats are used to being in the discussion for the draft’s top pick. In 2025, they are in the discussion for one of the NFC’s playoff spots.

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Dave Canales and Bryce Young have turned it around, positioning Carolina for an exciting sprint to the finish. They enter Week 14 off a thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Rams, but remain outside of a playoff spot. That will remain the case for at least one more week, however, since the Panthers are getting some much-needed time off.

They’ll have a chance to make some more noise when they return to action in Week 15 though. It won’t be easy, but this season has been full of surprises.

The Panthers’ return to relevance is just the latest.

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Here’s what to know about Week 14.

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Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

1 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

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Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: The New England Patriots’ Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.

3 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.

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Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.

Are the Panthers playing today?

The Panthers are not playing on Dec. 7.

Carolina is on its bye in Week 14, along with the New England Patriots, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. The Panthers will return to action in Week 15 when they visit the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Which teams are on a bye this week? Week 14 bye

The Panthers are one of four teams on a bye in Week 14 and one of three in the NFC:

Panthers 2025 scheduleNFL Week 14 schedule

Thursday, Dec. 4

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Sunday, Dec. 7

Monday, Dec. 8

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do the Panthers play today? NFL Week 14 bye schedule