Here’s how the Panthers can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17
The Carolina Panthers are in a good position to lock up their playoff spot in Week 17, but they’re not in total control of their own destiny.
After a big win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers are in position to turn a competitive NFC South race into a division title, but they’ll need at least a little help to make it official this weekend. Entering Week 17, Carolina sits atop the division with a chance to clinch both the NFC South crown and a playoff berth before the final week of the regular season.
How Panthers can clinch NFC South and playoff spot in Week 17
The Panthers face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 and will lock up the NFC South and a playoff berth with either of the following scenarios:
- A win and a Buccaneers loss or tie (@ Dolphins)
- A tie and a Buccaneers loss
What happens if the Panthers don’t clinch in Week 17?
If the Panthers lose or Buccaneers win, the NFC South race will extend into Week 18, keeping both teams alive.
Here’s how the situation would change:
- The Panthers would remain in first place, but without a guaranteed playoff spot.
- The division title would likely come down to the head-to-head matchup with Tampa Bay in the regular-season finale.
In other words, failing to clinch doesn’t eliminate the Panthers, but it does set up a winner-take-all scenario to close the season.
Clinching in Week 17 would give Carolina a home playoff game as NFC South champions as well as flexibility with health and preparation in the final week. Waiting until Week 18, however, would mean playing with no safety net.
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