Panthers playoff chances: Can Carolina still make playoffs going into Week 16?

The Carolina Panthers host the Detroit Lions on Saturday, December 24 in a must-win game for both teams. Neither can be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, but both are running out of wiggle room to earn a playoff berth. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET and the Panthers are a 2.5-point home underdog at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Panthers playoff chances

Record: 5-9
Odds to make playoffs: Yes +500, No -700; NFC South +500
Remaining opponents: Week 16 vs. Lions, Week 17 @ Bucs, Week 18 @ Saints

The Panthers unloaded Christian McCaffrey, Robbie Anderson, and Baker Mayfield, while also firing head coach Matt Rhule, and have managed to improve. The NFC South is a disaster of a division and Carolina going 3-2 the past five weeks have moved them firmly into position to have a shot at the division.

Carolina does not need to win all three remaining games, but a win on Sunday keeps the door firmly open. If the Panthers beat the Lions, they will control their fate, taking over first place in the NFC South with a Week 17 win. If they lose, their fate depends in part on how the Bucs do on Sunday against the Cardinals.

Current playoff standings

1. Buccaneers, 6-8
2. Panthers, 5-9
3. Saints, 5-9
4. Falcons, 5-9

6. Giants, 8-5-1
7. Commanders, 7-6-1

8. Seahawks, 7-7
9. Lions, 7-7
10. Packers, 6-8
11. Panthers, 5-9
12. Saints, 5-9
13. Falcons, 5-9

  
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