An NFL writer had thoughts on the NFC playoff field and why each team will win and won’t win Super Bowl LX. He analysis of the Carolina Panthers was unique.

The Panthers are closing in on clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2017. Here's a breakdown of Carolina's playoff picture in Week 18.

The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, giving the Panthers the NFC South title and their first playoff berth since 2017.

Everyone thought the Carolina Panthers were going to draft a defender in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Most thought it would be Jalon Walker, so it was a massive curveball that they selected Tetairoa McMillan.

The Carolinas’ only NFL team attracts fans of all ages, but Roy Goodwin might just be the Panthers’ oldest one.

The conclusion of the regular season means that the Panthers now know the opponents they’ll play next year, and whether they’ll play those opponents at home or on the road. The franchise also has a good idea of where it will pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, though that won’t be officially set in stone until after Carolina’s season concludes.

The Week 18 game between the Panthers and Buccaneers will air on ESPN and ABC. You can tune in to ESPN and ABC through your cable provider, or on streaming platforms like DirecTV, Fubo and more. You can also stream the game on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited, or with NFL+ (via phone or tablet only).

Cam Newton's hype video will have Panthers fans pumped up as team makes its first playoff appearance since 2017