This week, the Carolina Panthers will get a rare moment under the lights—as they host the Detroit Lions in a prime-time matchup on Sunday night. And if it feels like a long time since the Panthers have been featured on Sunday Night Football, that's because it has been.
The last Sunday nighter for Carolina was nearly 10 years ago, on Dec. 4, 2016—when they got blown out by the Seattle Seahawks, 40-7.
The Carolina #Panthers are set to play on SNF for the first time since Dec 4, 2016, a 40-7 loss to the Seahawks. They will snap the longest active #SNFonNBC drought in the NFL.
— NFL Schedule Enthusiast (@schedulerelease) September 29, 2026
The #Browns and #Saints are now tied for the longest SNF droughts, with both of their last appearances…
This was a pretty infamous game, beginning with former head coach Ron
Rivera (and/or former general manager Dave Gettleman) benching quarterback and reigning Most Valuable Player Cam Newton on the first play for not wearing a tie to the stadium. Backup Derek Anderson, in his stead, tossed a pick-six on his very first pass.
A lot of pressure comes with these games, and the competition in this case won't help. Carolina will host a Detroit team that's won 36 games over the last three seasons. Plus, they'll be vulnerable where the Lions are best—as their potent passing game will surely attack the absences of cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers to break decade-long drought on Sunday Night Football
