The Carolina Panthers are guaranteed a playoff berth but their seeding has yet to be decided…
A tight NFC race has the Carolina Panthers ranging from the number two overall seed to their current fifth spot depending on final game results. Entering the final week of regular season play, Carolina has already punched their ticket into the playoffs but where they travel or who they host remains a mystery.
The Panthers could also still win the NFC South division with a victory over Atlanta and New Orleans loss. The Saints travel to Tampa Bay who has gone down to the wire with both Carolina and Atlanta over the past two weeks.
Coach Ron Rivera has already declared his team will not rest starters and are playing in Atlanta for the win. Being potentially eligible for another divisional championship and possible playoff bye this makes total sense.
Following are potential scenarios for Carolina to end up with the corresponding playoff seeds based on Week 17 results.
NFC No. 2 Seed
Four games will determine if the Panthers ultimately end up this high when the season concludes, including a pivotal divisional showdown with Atlanta. If the Panthers win and receive help from the following teams they could be at home with a bye in the first round.
There is only one possible scenarios for this to happen.
Chicago wins at Minnesota, San Francisco wins at Los Angeles, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans and the Panthers beat Atlanta
NFC No. 3 Seed
In similar fashion, the same four games will determine if Carolina hosts a wild card game against the NFC number six seed in the opening round of the playoffs. If this potential scenario plays out on Sunday, the Panthers will host the winner of Arizona and Seattle in Charlotte.
Again, there is only one possible scenarios for this to occur.
Minnesota wins vs. Chicago, San Francisco wins at Los Angeles, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans and the Panthers beat Atlanta
NFC No. 4 Seed
There are a couple of scenarios in which the Panthers could improve their current standing and host a home game as the fourth seed in the playoffs. In both instances Carolina would host divisional rival New Orleans despite losing twice to them in the regular season.
Both of course hinge on the Panthers beating Atlanta and either of the two following situations happening this weekend.
Minnesota wins vs. Chicago, Los Angeles wins vs. San Francisco, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans and the Panthers beat Atlanta
or
Chicago wins at Minnesota, Los Angeles wins vs. San Francisco, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans and the Panthers beat Atlanta
This would give Carolina the divisional title and at least one home playoff game.
NFC No. 5 Seed at New Orleans
The current and most likely scenario is Carolina remains as the No. 5 seed and travels to New Orleans for a third game against the Saints. However, a few changes to these game outcomes could have the Panthers traveling across the country to play in Los Angeles against the Rams.
Los Angeles coach Sean McVay has already said his team will rest some starters in their final regular season game potentially opening the door for a San Francisco victory. The 49ers have won four in a row behind quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo including an impressive victory over Jacksonville last week.
Win or lose in Atlanta the Panthers cannot fall from their fifth seed but the following outcomes will change their opponent.
Wild Card Round at New Orleans
Minnesota wins vs. Chicago, Los Angeles wins vs. San Francisco, New Orleans wins at Tampa Bay
Minnesota wins vs. Chicago, Los Angeles wins vs. San Francisco, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans, Atlanta wins vs. Carolina
Minnesota wins vs. Chicago, San Francisco wins at Los Angeles, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans, Atlanta wins vs. Carolina
Chicago wins at Minnesota, Los Angeles wins vs. San Francisco, New Orleans wins at Tampa Bay
Chicago wins at Minnesota, Los Angeles wins vs. San Francisco, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans, Atlanta wins vs. Carolina
Chicago wins at Minnesota, San Francisco wins at Los Angeles, Tampa Bay wins vs. New Orleans, Atlanta wins vs. Carolina
NFC No. 5 Seed at Los Angeles
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Two different possibilities would have Carolina flying across the country for what would be an expected defensive showdown with Los Angeles. The Panthers traveled there last year, winning 13-10 in Week 9 but a new coach and improved quarterback play has the Rams much improved.
Each of these two scenarios would mean another trip out west.
Minnesota wins vs. Chicago, San Francisco wins at Los Angeles, New Orleans wins at Tampa Bay
or
Chicago wins at Minnesota, San Francisco wins at Los Angeles, New Orleans wins at Tampa Bay
Next: CAR vs. TB Report Card - Week 16
Essentially, Carolina must win in Atlanta for any hope of moving up and the San Francisco at Los Angeles game will determine who the Panthers play if they fall to the Falcons.