The Panthers could have a playoff spot locked up before December. There are five ways Carolina can clinch this weekend:
- SEA loss or tie + TB loss or tie
- SEA loss or tie + ATL loss or tie
- TB loss or tie + MIN loss + ARI loss
- TB loss or tie + MIN loss + ARI tie
- TB loss or tie + MIN tie + ARI loss
The earliest the Panthers can clinch the NFC South is next week. For that to happen, they have to beat the Saints, and the Falcons have to lose one of their next two games.
They’re going to go 16-0, have a bye, have homefield advantage against the Cardinals, and beat the Bengals in the Super Bowl.