It was fun while it lasted.

After becoming the first team to win not just two, but three straight NFC South titles, the Panthers’ division dominance is over. So is the very slim chance Carolina had to rally into the postseason.

It’s been trending this way for a while now, of course, but a playoff-less January became official Sunday.

The Panthers were knocked out of Wild Card contention shortly after 4:15 p.m. when Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers set up a game-winning field goal with a 60-yard heave to Jordy Nelson during the final minute in Chicago. Three hours later, the Falcons wrapped up a 41-13 rout of the 49ers, guaranteeing the NFC South will crown a new champion.

Because all that’s left to play for is pride, the Panthers will now likely shut down linebacker Luke Kuechly for the rest of the season.

For many fans, a silver lining is the Panthers will have a top-25 draft pick for the first time since they took defensive tackle Star Lotulelei at No. 14 in the 2013 draft. But at 5-8 heading into Monday night’s game in Washington, the Panthers will, at best, finish two games behind the NFL’s previously worst finish following a 15-1 season.