It’s been almost a decade since the Carolina Panthers went to the playoffs; however, this year they have a chance not only to do that but to also be division champions.

And the entire season now may come down to one game.

So far in the 2025-2026 season, the Panthers have displayed promise, frustration and inconsistency – and the game Saturday will likely determine whether the team returns to the playoffs or heads into another long offseason.

The Panthers travel to Tampa Bay and the team needs a win over the Buccaneers to claim the NFC South title and secure a postseason spot.  If the Panthers lose they’ll need to count on some events outside of their control to make the playoffs.

The Panthers and Buccaneers were originally scheduled to play on Sunday, Jan. 4; however, the game was moved one day earlier – to Saturday, Jan. 3.  You can watch it on ESPN and ABC.  It kicks off at 4:30 p.m.

Carolina enters the regular-season finale at 8-8 after a disappointing loss last weekend that prevented the team from clinching the division early. The Panthers had a chance to wrap things up at home but struggled on both sides of the ball in a 27 to 10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

At times this year, the Panthers have looked like the worst team in the league and, at other times, have looked like a Super Bowl contender.

Early in the year, the Panthers stumbled out of the gate before steadying themselves and clawing back into the division race. Midseason wins over quality opponents briefly suggested that the team had turned a corner. Then came losses that exposed familiar problems and raised new doubts for fans all over again.

The Panthers’ offense has been particularly emblematic of that inconsistency. At times it’s been explosive and confident.  At other times it has stalled, struggled on third down and failed to sustain drives.

Quarterback Bryce Young’s development has remained a central storyline throughout the season.

Defensively, Carolina has been solid in stretches; however, the defense has also given up huge plays at costly moments. Those lapses have often come in games where just a little more consistency could have made the difference between a win and a loss.

The Panthers briefly appeared to be in control of the division late in the season after a narrow win over Tampa Bay that pushed them into first place. That victory raised hopes that Carolina could finally return to the postseason for the first time since 2017.

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