For Panthers Fans, This Season Is Already a Win — But It’s Not Over Yet.

Tetairoa McMillan (L) & Bryce Young (R)

No one can tell me that Christmas magic isn’t real after that game on Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This team continues to silence the doubters, turning skepticism into fuel and pressure into performance. In a battle that demanded toughness, belief, and a little bit of holiday miracle, they rose to the moment when it mattered most. While critics and Tampa fans waited for the collapse, this team delivered another statement win, one that proved, yet again, they belong and they’re not done making people believe.

Dave Canales has preached the same message all season: the only way this team succeeds is together. That mindset has shown up every week on the field. Whether its players stepping up when injuries hit, or others being asked to take on unfamiliar roles and multiple positions, the response has been the same no excuses, just effort. This team has embraced the idea that everyone matters, and that collective buy-in has turned adversity into opportunity. They aren’t relying on one star or one unit: they’re winning by trusting the man next to them and committing to the fight as a group. The only thing this team lacks at this point is constant consistency, but don’t be fooled, the culture is changing.

Playoff Picture

The first order of business was handling the Buccaneers, and that box has now been checked. With that accomplished, the Panthers now have multiple paths to clinching a playoff berth:

• Winning Out: If the Panthers win their last two games (Seahawks in Week 17, Bucs in Week 18), they clinch the division.

• Week 17 Win & Bucs Loss: Beat the Seahawks AND the Buccaneers lose to the Dolphins, the Panthers win the division before Week 18.

• Week 18 Win: Beat the Buccaneers in Week 18, and they win the division regardless of Week 17 results due to tiebreakers. 

Chuba Hubbard

Offensive & Defensive Statistical Matchups

• Seahawks Balanced Offense: Seattle’s offense is averaging more total yards per game than Carolina, particularly through the air, where the Seahawks sit solidly inside the top 20. The Panthers are further down the rankings line in this statistical category. 

• Run Game: The Panthers have a respectable rushing attack, while Seattle’s run game is modest. The Panthers run-game has not been as prominent in recent weeks, but nonetheless, it is a matchup that Carolina could exploit to get back to controlling the clock and tempo of the game.

• Defensive Strengths: Seattle’s defense gives up fewer rushing yards, but more passing yards compared to Carolina’s, which suggests a potential advantage for the Panthers if they can get their run game going and make Seattle one-dimensional. 

Key Individual Matchups

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Seattle’s dynamic No. 1 receiver has put up big yardage this season, breaking franchise records, which presents a real test for Carolina’s secondary, but not something they can’t overcome. 

• Panthers Rushing Weapons: Carolina’s run game could be a sneaky edge if they can lean into it and run, run, run — especially against a Seattle run defense that’s solid but beatable with disciplined execution. 

A return to the playoffs would mean more than just a spot in the standings for this young team, it would be a powerful validation of the work being put in every day. For a roster filled with players who were still in school the last time the organization reached the postseason in 2017, the opportunity represents a first real taste of what sustained success looks like. For the organization, it signals that the rebuild is taking place and that a new standard is being established. For the players, it provides motivation that extends far beyond this season, setting a foundation of confidence and expectation that can shape the future of the franchise. And for the fans, it reignites belief and rewards years of patience and loyalty.

Images: Panthers