4 Carolina Panthers games with interesting storylines in 2021

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 18)

• Just what will be at stake in the season finale?

Season-ending games normally go two ways.

Either there is a lot to play for.

Or expect to see most starters sitting down and getting their offseason off to an early start.

Just what situation the Carolina Panthers will be in when they travel to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 is up for debate. There is enough talent across the board to potentially make more of a splash next time around, but if they need a win from their final contest then a trip to the defending Super Bowl champions won’t be the easiest place to acquire it.

The Bucs brought every single starter from their championship-winning campaign in 2020 back for one more go-around with Tom Brady under center. Absolutely unheard of in today’s NFL where player movement is almost a given.

Another bold bid for the Vince Lombardi Trophy is expected from Tampa Bay. But they might have the NFC South and playoff spot wrapped up by the time they take on the Panthers in their regular-season finale.

This would be outstanding news if Carolina also has something to play for.

Any slight advantage they can get will be a bonus. Taking advantage of it against a team this talented is another matter.

Only time will tell, obviously. If Carolina was fighting for a winning record of even a playoff spot in their final game, significant progress has been made in Year 2 of Matt Rhule’s reign.