Carolina Panthers Closing in on NFC South Title
The NFC South has emerged as one of the most competitive division races in the NFL this season, with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently tied at the top of the standings. We’ll need to send the NFL schedule makers some champagne since the Panthers and Buccaneers will square off twice in the final three weeks.
It has been quite the run for Carolina, which started 1-3. However, wins in four of its next five (including three straight) set the team up nicely to make a run as Tampa Bay went through struggles of its own. The Panthers even came up with some huge upset wins against the Dallas Cowboys, a monumental road win at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, and, most recently, a home win against the Super Bowl favorites, the Los Angeles Rams.
Coming off a very late (and possibly very beneficial) bye week, Carolina now goes into this final four-game stretch with a realistic chance of winning their first division title since 2015.
Preseason Odds: Panthers’ Chances to Win NFC South
Before the season, oddsmakers gave the Panthers moderate odds to win the NFC South, reflecting both the team’s potential and the division’s parity. Most sportsbooks listed Carolina at +350 to win the division, behind the favored New Orleans Saints and slightly ahead of the rebuilding Atlanta Falcons.
As the season has progressed and the Panthers have remained competitive, these odds have shifted. Carolina’s odds to win the division have improved to +240, while Tampa Bay is at -300. Their NFC Championship and Super Bowl odds, while still long, have the Panthers at +6000 to win the NFC and +15000 to win the Super Bowl.
Breaking Down the Panthers
Offensively, the Panthers are only averaging 19 points per game, ranking fifth-worst among NFL teams. On the flip side of defense, Carolina is only allowed 22.3 PPG, which is smack in the middle of the league. So how is this all happening?
Through Week 14, QB Bryce Young has developed into a reliable leader but only has an 18-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio and ranks 22nd in the NFL in passing yards (2,337). However, it has been first-round pick WR Tetairoa McMillan revealing himself as quite the revelation, gaining 826 yards through the air (11th best in the NFL) and hauling in six touchdowns. In fact, McMillan has more receiving yards than the next three closest players combined.
However, the Panthers’ bread and butter has been the ground attack, anchored by RB Rico Dowdle. So far, Dowdle has rushed for 929 yards while adding 254 receiving yards. Without this guy, Carolina would not be in the position it is now. In Week 5-6, Dowdle had back-to-back 200+ total yards, which led to both of those games being three-point wins.
Panthers Remaining Schedule and Upcoming Opponents
The Panthers face a challenging slate of games to close out the regular season. Their remaining opponents are:
- Week 14: at New Orleans Saints
- Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Week 18: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This schedule is certainly not one of the friendly variety, as the seemingly easiest game of the bunch comes on the road against the Saints, who just proved to be a pesky spoiler by winning outright at the Bucs on Sunday. Of course, the two matchups against the Bucs are essentially postseason games themselves. The matchup against the Seahawks won’t do them any favors either, as Seattle is firmly in the hunt for the NFC West crown, and maybe even the No. 1 seed in the conference.
Buccaneers’ Remaining Schedule: A Comparative Look
While the Panthers have a tough path ahead, the Buccaneers’ schedule is not as dreadful:
- Week 15: vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Week 16: at Carolina Panthers
- Week 17: at Miami Dolphins
- Week 18: vs. Carolina Panthers
The Buccaneers get the chance to take advantage of a Falcons team out of the playoff race on this week’s version of Thursday Night Football; it’s always tougher for the road team on a short week. Next up will be that heavily anticipated game against the Panthers that will shape this picture much better. The matchup against the Dolphins looked much better on paper earlier this season, but Miami has won its last four games (and five of the last six).
That regular-season finale against the Panthers certainly benefits the Bucs being at home, and I imagine the NFC South comes down to this game. I wouldn’t even be surprised if this winds up being the Sunday Night Football matchup, considering it could be a must-win situation to make the playoffs altogether.
Conclusion: Panthers’ Path to NFC South Glory
The Panthers have put themselves in a prime position to win the NFC South, thanks to a combination of solid team play, opportunistic defense, and a solid rushing attack. With a tough, but manageable schedule remaining, their fate will likely be decided in the final weeks, particularly in the season-ending matchup against the Buccaneers.
NFL fans should keep a close eye on both teams’ performances, as the division title and a potential playoff run hang in the balance. If the Panthers can maintain their momentum and capitalize on key opportunities, they may soon be celebrating an NFC South championship and a return to the postseason.
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