The Carolina Panthers have a pivotal opportunity to secure a playoff berth in the NFC South during Week 17 of the NFL’s 2025 season. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Panthers will face the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. For Carolina to clinch a spot, they must defeat Seattle while hoping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the Miami Dolphins on the same day.
Currently, the Panthers hold a narrow one-game lead over the Buccaneers in the division standings, with just two weeks remaining in the regular season. If Tampa Bay manages to win against Miami, the outcome of Carolina’s game will lose its significance regarding the playoff race. In that scenario, the Panthers would need to secure a victory against the Buccaneers in their rematch on January 4, 2026.
Reflecting on the upcoming game, Carolina quarterback Bryce Young emphasized the need to focus solely on their performance rather than the implications of other games. He stated, “We can’t look over our shoulders. We can’t worry about what-if. We have our hands full making sure that we’re the best we can be throughout the week and, obviously, on Sunday being as locked in as possible.” His leadership has been crucial, especially since the Panthers have alternated wins and losses this season, currently standing at 8-7.
Young’s ability to lead his team in high-pressure situations has been noteworthy; he has orchestrated four game-winning drives in the fourth quarter this season alone. “Throughout my life, I’ve been able to have different opportunities, and now I’ve been able to have those opportunities in the NFL,” Young added. “I’m just blessed to have those chances. It’s just about focus and execution.”
Despite their position as division leaders, the Panthers only had one player, cornerback Jaycee Horn, named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, announced last Thursday. This is particularly significant, considering that three NFC teams already eliminated from playoff contention boasted more Pro Bowl selections than Carolina. Coach Frank Reich commented on the situation, stating, “That’s all that we care about. All the guys just want to come in and win.”
In the broader context of the league, other key matchups during Week 17 include the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings. Notably, the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders is highlighted as the Alabama Game of the Week, featuring 16 players with ties to Alabama high schools and colleges.
As the regular season comes to a close, the stakes are high for the Panthers and their pursuit of a playoff spot. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the outcomes of both the Carolina-Seattle and Tampa Bay-Miami games on Sunday, as the decisions made on the field could define the Panthers’ postseason aspirations for the first time since 2015.
