The Carolina Panthers stand at the tunnel during a previous game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Courtesy of Carolina Blitz
“Playoffs?!” former Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Jim Mora famously exclaimed in 2001 when asked about a postseason push.​
More than two decades later, some Carolina Panthers fans may be asking the same question.
Entering the final week of the 2025 regular season, the Panthers sit at 8-8 and remain firmly in the playoff picture, though nothing is guaranteed. After a season filled with highs and lows, Carolina heads into Week 18 needing one final result to go its way.​
Carolina’s postseason fate largely rests on its matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Jan. 3. A win or tie would secure the NFC South title and clinch the Panthers’ first playoff berth since 2017. A loss would open the door for the Atlanta Falcons to lend a helping hand, depending on the outcome of their game against the New Orleans Saints.​
While the margin for error is thin, the Panthers still control their destiny—and must prove they are worthy of playing beyond Week 18.
A season of promise and inconsistency
Carolina’s optimism entering the season was fueled by its decision to draft Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie has quickly become one of quarterback Bryce Young’s top targets and is firmly in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.​
Along with McMillan, additions such as free agent safety Tre’von Moehrig and rookie edge rusher Nic Scourton raised expectations for a team looking to take the next step. While those moves helped elevate Carolina’s ceiling, inconsistency ultimately defined much of the season.​
The Panthers showed their potential with statement wins over the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and a season sweep of division rival Falcons. However, costly losses to teams like the 6-10 New Orleans Saints, along with playoff-bound opponents such as the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, prevented Carolina from clinching a postseason spot earlier.
Quarterback duel defines Week 18
Saturday’s matchup also features a compelling quarterback storyline, as former No. 1 overall picks Young and Baker Mayfield face off with the season on the line.​
Mayfield, now quarterback of Tampa Bay, spent part of the 2022 season with Carolina before being released, adding an extra layer of motivation. Carolina defeated Tampa Bay 23-20 at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 21, but the rematch shifts to Florida, where the Buccaneers have traditionally played well.​
Mayfield might be beaten up, with some injuries noted on the weekly report that comes out each practice, but he has continuously played through the pain and was reported good to go on Jan. 1. With the feeling of something to prove, he’s still pushing through with a chip on his shoulder.
What’s at stake
The Panthers’ playoff scenarios are straightforward. With a win or tie against Tampa Bay, Carolina clinches the NFC South and earns the No. 4 seed in the NFL Playoffs.​
If they lose, Carolina would need an Atlanta win over New Orleans to reach the postseason. If the Falcons perform as well as they did against the Rams during Monday Night Football on Dec. 29, then Carolina should be in a comfortable position no matter what.
With a Tampa Bay win and a Saints win, Carolina is eliminated from playoff contention.​
If Carolina secures the division, it would mark the franchise’s first NFC South title since its 15-1 campaign in 2015.
Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan points up in a previous game.
Courtesy of Carolina Blitz
Potential playoff outlook
As the No. 4 seed, the NFC South champion (specifically, the Panthers) would host a team from the NFC West in the wild-card round. That could set up a rematch against the Seahawks, Rams or San Francisco 49ers, this time with home-field advantage at Bank of America Stadium.
Primetime history in Tampa
Carolina holds a 3-2 all-time record against the Buccaneers in primetime matchups, though success on the road has been limited. The Panthers’ most recent win at Raymond James Stadium came on Oct. 23, 2019, and snapping that drought would come at the perfect time.​
With everything on the line, Week 18 offers Carolina one final opportunity to turn flashes of potential into a postseason reality.
Up next
For the Panthers, there is no margin left. One game will determine whether their season continues or comes to an end. Saturday in Tampa Bay will decide it all.​
Carolina kicks off against the Buccaneers at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 3. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, and more information regarding the matchup can be found here.