The Panthers will clinch the NFC South with:
1) Win or tie vs Saints OR
2) Falcons loss or tie vs. Bucs
The Panthers will clinch a playoff spot with:
1) Seahawks loss or tie vs. Vikings OR
2) Cardinals loss or tie vs. Rams + Packers loss or tie vs. Lions as long as both ARI + GB don't tie
Note:
The earliest the Panthers have ever clinched a playoff spot is Week 15:
| When CAR Clinched | Week | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 13 | 12/2/15 |
| 2014 | 17 | 12/28/14 |
| 2013 | 16 | 12/22/13 |
| 2008 | 16 | 12/21/08 |
| 2005 | 17 | 1/2/06 |
| 2003 | 15 | 12/14/03 |
| 1996 | 15 | 12/8/96 |