The Carolina Panthers remain in the playoff mix and win or lose on Sunday will still be in the conversation. However, should the Panthers fall to the visiting Seahawks, then Carolina will lose its grip on the current berth and need some help moving forward to assure themselves of a position.
Both Carolina and Seattle suffer from being in divisions where the respective leaders have built a substantial lead. New Orleans leads the NFC South and despite two games remaining against the Panthers, have shown no signs of slowing down any time soon. The Los Angeles Rams lead Seattle by a few games and have already defeated the Seahawks twice – essentially limiting the Carolina opponent to a wildcard berth or nothing in terms of the playoffs.