Carolina Panthers: Playoffs positives and negatives

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers takes the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers fans have reasons to both be excited and nervous about the upcoming playoffs…

Finally, Week 17 is here and after a very close victory last week against Tampa Bay, the Carolina Panthers will be playing playoff football this season. Based on this week’s results, the Panthers could be playing a home playoff game as a division winner or traveling somewhere as a wildcard.

The most likely situation could be a visit to Los Angeles facing the Rams, since coach Sean McVay announced that he will not be playing many of his starters having already secured their division. If the Rams fall to San Francisco, Carolina will likely be headed west. If the Rams prevail a third showdown with divisional rival New Orleans could be scheduled.

Following are three reasons to both love the Panthers and be weary entering the playoffs.