Carolina Panthers playoff clinching scenarios Week 16: Bryce Young and Co. path to postseason explored after loss to Saints

Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers missed out on the chance to improve their playoff chances on Sunday. The Panthers suffered a 20-17 loss to divisional rivals, the New Orleans Saints.

So, with Week 15 now in the books, let's explore Young and Co.'s path to the postseason.

Carolina Panthers playoff clinching scenarios Week 16

The Carolina Panthers will clinch a playoff spot by finishing with a better record than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are 7-7 entering Week 16.

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The math is simple: The Panthers will reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season by winning two of their final three games. That's because two of those games will be against the Todd Bowles-coached Buccaneers.

It's unlikely that the Panthers make the playoffs via the wildcard route. That's because the final wildcard spot is occupied by the Green Bay Packers (9-7-1).

Furthermore, the Detroit Lions are better placed to qualify for the playoffs via the wildcard route. So, the Panthers' only realistic scenario for making the postseason is by finishing atop the NFC South.

What's next for the Panthers?

Next up for the Carolina Panthers is a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The game is their first of two regular-season showdowns against the Bucs.

The Panthers have won two of their last five games. They were tipped to beat the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, but ultimately lost by a 20-17 score.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently going through a stunning collapse. Baker Mayfield and Co. have lost all but one of their games since their Week 9 bye. They're now on the brink of missing out on the playoffs for the first time since the Jameis Winston era.

With that in mind, here's how to watch the Panthers vs. Buccaneers Week 16 game:

• Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM ET
• Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Livestream: FuboTV and DAZN
• TV Channel: Fox

Edited by Nick Igbokwe