Carolina Panthers fans got a rare Sunday off from watching their team. Head coach Dave Canales' squad was in the air, heading into the California sunshine for a prime time showdown with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, which is one of the most anticipated games in recent franchise memory.
And the Panthers got a massive win without even lifting a finger.
When most expected another underwhelming campaign, the Panthers are right in the thick of the NFC South title race. They are half a game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were also under the national spotlight in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
Carolina Panthers will take possession of NFC South lead if they beat the 49ers
It did not go well. The Buccaneers were overwhelmed, outmatched, and outclassed by Sean McVay's squad. Matthew Stafford was at his brilliant best, carving open Tampa Bay's defense to surge into the NFC's No. 1 seed after the Philadelphia Eagles choked versus the Dallas Cowboys.
If that wasn't bad enough, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield left the game with a shoulder injury, leaving another former Panthers signal-caller, Teddy Bridgewater, to fill the void. Much will depend on how long he's out, but if it's for an extended period, Tampa Bay has a massive problem.
The Panthers' incentive has been raised. Another statement win over the Niners would see Canales' men take sole custody of the NFC South lead with five regular-season games remaining. Just how long that'll stay the case with the Rams coming to Charlotte in Week 13 is anyone's guess. Still, this provided every player and coach with the added motivation needed before taking the field at Levi's Stadium.
Whether the Panthers can capitalize on this opportunity is the big question. They are in tremendous form of late, but the Niners remain stern opposition. Even though Kyle Shanahan's squad is dealing with serious injury concerns, especially on defense, they keep finding ways to win. With the Rams and Seattle Seahawks both securing successes on Sunday, San Francisco must do the same to avoid losing ground.
It's a fascinating matchup. Most thought the schedule-makers were throwing Carolina a bone when they gave them this prime time showcase — their only one of the campaign to date. Now, there are huge ramifications attached for both clubs, and the reward will be substantial for the Panthers if they can pull it off.
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Canales knows that his players need to earn everything coming their way. But they should be brimming with confidence staring the division summit in the face.