Panthers playoff picture: What Week 16 vs. Buccaneers means for NFC standings

SB Nation

The Carolina Panthers loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15 technically narrowed their path to the playoffs, but the reality is that still have the same shot they had last week at the division title.

Yes, they have been eliminated from wildcard contention, but that effectively happened when they lost to the 49ers on Monday Night Football. For now, their path is simple: beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they win the NFC South.

There are four likely records, plus two fun ones, that the Panthers could finish the season with. Two are simple in or out scenarios for the Panthers, the remaining four get a little complicated. Let’s dive in.

Panthers finish 10-7

They’re in.

Panthers finish 9-8

If they sweep the Bucs then they’re in.
If they split with the Bucs AND the Bucs beat the Dolphins then they’re out.
If they split with the Bucs AND they beat the Seahawks AND the Bucs lose to the Dolphins then they’re in.

Panthers finish 8-8-1 or 9-7-1

Any scenario where the Panthers finish with a 1-0-1 record against the Bucs sees Carolina win the NFC South and enter the playoffs.
If they split with the Bucs AND tie the Seahawks AND the Bucs lose to Miami then they are in.
If they split with the Bucs AND tie the Seahawks AND the Bucs beat Miami then they are out.

Panthers finish 8-9

If the Bucs sweep then the Panthers are out.
If they split AND the Bucs beat Miami AND the Atlanta Falcons lose one more game then the Panthers are out
If they split AND the Bucs lose to the Dolphins AND the Falcons win out then the Panthers are in