Fans of the Carolina Panthers are treading new ground as their favorite team flirts with the NFC South division title—and a 2025 playoff berth—for the first time since Ron Rivera was the head coach. A winning season, a playoff game, and renewed hope in Bryce Young top holiday wish-lists around the Carolinas. But there is a difference between wishing and believing.
Only 59% of Panthers fans believe that Carolina is heading to the playoffs. Now, for the record, this question was asked and the poll closed
before the Atlanta Falcons upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to give the 7-6 Panthers sole possession of first place in the NFC South race. I really did not expect the Bucs to fall apart so spectacularly and so figured this was a safe question. It is probably safe to assume that the 59% figure is higher now.
What’s most encouraging is that being on the doorstep of unexpected success hasn’t necessarily changed the minds of most Panthers fans about their team’s current status. 89% if fans are confident in the direction they are headed, meaning at least 30% of fans feel optimistic about the future even if the Panthers miss the playoffs this year.
How about it, Panthers fans? Are you more confident now in the Panthers playoffs chances? Chime in now before whatever chaos occurs in the New Orleans game this afternoon changes all of our opinions once again.
