Path to the Playoffs

[bigdog_10_2002]

Somebody get the Jim Mora gif ready in 3….2…1….

For those of you who care, the path to the playoffs is really clear cut and Sundays game against the Rams nor Tampas games against the cupcakes they have remaining factor in really at all. 
 

In all likelihood the only way the Panthers are playing in the second week of January is if they win the division.  The loss to the niners did a lot of damage to any wildcard hopes they may have.

  The formula to win the division is pretty simple. After the bye week, if Carolina wins their final four games (at NO, vs Tampa, vs Seattle, and at Tampa) they are NFC South Champs. In that scenario, they finish 10-7 and the Bucs best possible finish would be 10-7 as well. The Panthers would win a tiebreaker with a 5-1 division record. 
 

Ironically, the late season bye comes at a perfect time. Get healthy and try and win four in a row. 
 

With Canales outsmarting himself at every turn and Bryce putting up QB numbers not seen since leather helmets were worn, the thought of winning four in a row seems almost impossible, but, we at least go into December in the hunt.  
 

 

[toldozer]

We are playing the 49ers wildcard weekend and we are going to run it down their throats.

 

Also the bucs are losing this weekend to the cardinals so we only have to and only will beat the saints and then bucs twice and finish 9-8

Edited November 26, 2025 by toldozer

[OneBadCat]

If Bakers hurt for an extended time that gives us some hope at winning out after the Rams. Its moot point though if Bryce doesn't start slinging it.

[PleaseCutStewart]

I really think we should just rest our starters for the Rams and Seahawks game. 0% chance we win either of them, so might as well rest up and try and be somewhat healthy for the Saints and 2 Bucs games

[PleaseCutStewart]

14 minutes ago, toldozer said:

We are playing the 49ers wildcard weekend and we are going to run it down their throats.

 

Also the bucs are losing this weekend to the cardinals so we only have to and only will beat the saints and then bucs twice and finish 9-8

We will probably end up playing the Rams or Seahawks (whichever one doesn't win the division). AKA - it will be an ugly blowout loss if we miraculously made the playoffs.

[TD alt]

[ColumbusCounty]

Lol I dont even wanna imagine Canales's playcalling in the playoffs. 

Bryce "I have to better" Young throws for 79 yards and 3 ints on 50+ attempts. Chubba and Rico each combine for 3 carries after averaging 9 yards per. Endless possibilities. 

[mav1234]

 

But in all seriousness we have to win the division. To do that, Bryce needs to play in Atlanta every week.

I'm hoping that somehow we find a way to win with him... It just seems unlikely. 

Edited November 26, 2025 by mav1234

[Basbear]

Sweep TB and spilt the others.....

NFC south champ is the only path, so TB has to choke and they haven't the last 4 ......fuging years...

 

 

Edited November 26, 2025 by Basbear

[ProcessBlue2]

Bucs schedule isn’t as easy as it seems. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cardinals give them a run this week, they have been playing teams close and Baker might not play. 
 

I expect them to lose to the Falcons OR Saints not both. 
 

Miami could also get them if they keep playing better but doubtful. 9-8 might get us there if both wins are against Tampa. Will need 10-7 if we split with them. 
 

Thats also dependent on Mayfields health. Dude has a new ailment each week. Knee, Ankle, Olbique, now it’s a sprained shoulder. Hes barely holding on.

Edited November 27, 2025 by ProcessBlue2

[strato]

I commend y’all’s optimism in the face of this poo. 

[CRA]

2 hours ago, PleaseCutStewart said:

I really think we should just rest our starters for the Rams and Seahawks game. 0% chance we win either of them, so might as well rest up and try and be somewhat healthy for the Saints and 2 Bucs games

Heck, they might want to gamble on Seattle instead of the Saints.   In 5 career games vs the Saints, Bryce has never sniffed a 200 yard game and of everyone we played this year….and the Saints held us to our least amount of offense on the year.  Saints get Bryce.  They are the polar opposite of Atlanta 

treat the Seahawks like the 2005 Panthers and but Horn with help on the only WR Darnold throws at and just hope bad Darnold makes an appearance.  

[T-Wazzle]

Fug em...they don't deserve playoffs. 

[ProcessBlue2]

2 hours ago, toldozer said:

We are playing the 49ers wildcard weekend and we are going to run it down their throats.

 

Also the bucs are losing this weekend to the cardinals so we only have to and only will beat the saints and then bucs twice and finish 9-8

I’ve had the feeling the last few years that when we do go back to the playoffs we are going to be play the Bears. Even before the Bryce trade. When I thought about us in the playoffs it was us and Chicago. Idk