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Carolina Panthers playoffs: Week 13 games that matter

By Brandon Scott

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter on November 30, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mike Zimmer of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter on November 30, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Week 13 games to watch with Carolina Panthers playoff implications.

Entering Week 13 play the Carolina Panthers are on the outside looking in at the playoffs for the first time all season. Three consecutive losses have turned a promising season into one that can still be salvaged, enjoyed even, but a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is required.

A second victory over their divisional opponent would push the Panthers up to 7-5 and depending on the results of a few critical games this week could put them back into the playoff picture.

Five games remain, plenty of time for teams to make a push or spiral out of contention. Carolina has a difficult remaining schedule having to face divisional leader New Orleans twice down the stretch but back-to-back wins would set up a huge showdown on Monday night at Bank of America Stadium. Until then, keep an eye on these games this week.

New Orleans Saints (10-1) at Dallas Cowboys (6-5), 8:20pm EST*

The winner of this game doesn’t necessarily effect the Panthers standing too much as benefits both ways can be found. A New Orleans win would put Dallas behind Carolina (although they lead their division) regardless of the outcome in Tampa Bay but essentially wrap up the NFC South for the Saints. A Cowboys victory or potentially even a loss, would keep them in the NFC East lead and give Carolina hope for another week should they win. Ultimately, this outcome and the Monday night matchup determine how Carolina needs the NFC East to unravel moving forward.

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Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) at New England Patriots (8-3), 4:25pm EST

Minnesota currently occupies the No. 5 seed where Carolina had been until last week. A win keeps them in place regardless of other outcomes while a loss would open the door for Carolina and a number of other teams. Tie games, considered miserable when they occur, can actually benefit a team on the edge of the playoff picture (see the 2014 Panthers) and adding another loss to the Vikings benefits Carolina.

Washington Redskins (6-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-6), 8:15pm**

Before the injury to quarterback Alex Smith, having Washington win the division served in the best interest of Carolina. The Panthers hold head-to-head tie breakers over both Dallas and Philadelphia but a loss to Washington gives them an edge. Now, essentially having the Redskins fall out of contention and maintaining pace with whoever (Cowboys, Eagles) doesn’t win the division would keep the Panthers in the picture.

Next. CAR at TB: Key Players to Watch. dark

A Panthers win at Tampa Bay is the most critical outcome this week but these other games will help shape the landscape of the playoffs moving forward.

*Thursday Night Football (11/29) **Monday Night Football (12/3)

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