Carolina Panthers best, worst case scenarios over the final month

What to Expect

Realistically, the Panthers will not win or lose each of their five remaining games but a mixed bag of results should be expected. Before the season a split with Atlanta was likely, two wins over Tampa Bay were needed and losses to the Saints weren’t out of the question.

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Carolina can remain in contention with these results but they must leave Tampa Bay with a victory next week. If the divisional games end as expected it puts the Panthers at 8-7 and their hopes remain in the balance of a non-conference game against an improving Cleveland Browns team.

Win and they finish 9-7, likely in a logjam of teams with an identical record. Of the potential candidates, Carolina would own an advantage over Dallas or Philadelphia but losses to Seattle and Washington may come back to haunt them.

The Panthers season essentially hangs in the balance over the next two weeks. A loss at either Tampa Bay or Cleveland would end any legitimate opportunity at the playoffs having to face New Orleans twice and Atlanta once over the final three weeks.

Three straight losses have put Carolina in a tricky situation down the stretch yet they still have time to respond – it just needs to be this week.