What Are the Panthers Playoff Chances?
The Panthers' are 10.5-points underdogs againsr the Rams according to DraftKings Sportsbook North Carolina. These odds vary by sportsbook and will shift up until kickoff.
| 🏆 Win Super Bowl Chances | 0.5% (+20000) |
| 🥇 Win NFC Chances | 1.5% (+6500) |
| ✅ Last Verified | January 7, 2026 |
In addition to tracking their playoff odds, we’re also keeping an eye on the Panthers Super Bowl odds this season.
Do the Carolina Panthers Have a Chance to Make the Playoffs?
The Panthers made the playoffs after winning the division with an 8-9 record. They will now host the Los Angeles Rams on January 10 for the Wild Card game.
Where Can I Bet on the Carolina Panthers to Make the Playoffs?
You can bet on the NFL playoffs with most major sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM, among others.
North Carolina sports betting apps can be used to bet on the Panthers' playoff chances for the season.
Since mobile sports betting is live in the state, be sure to keep an eye out for North Carolina betting promos, which can give you extra bankroll for NFL futures bets and more.
North Carolina has also legalized sports betting in limited locations at tribal casinos as of March 2021:
- 📍 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, NC
- 📍 Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy, NC
- 📍 Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, NC
🔥 MORE: Sports Betting North Carolina
Are the Panthers in the Playoffs?
Yes, the Panthers are in the playoffs. For the first time since 2017, Carolina has clinched a postseason spot. After winning the division, they will host the Rams in the Wild Card game.
After failing to make the postseason in 2024, the Panthers have made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. They’ve made significant improvements through free agency and the draft, hoping those upgrades give them the edge they need to become Super Bowl contenders.
Carolina Panthers Playoff Chances: Key Updates January 2026
A team's playoff odds fluctuate throughout the year with free agency, draft additions, and injury news. During the season, this section will update you on the most important Panthers updates.
- 📅 December 31: The Panthers claim DB D’Anthony Bell off waivers from Seattle and place TE Ja’Tavion Sanders on injured reserve.
- 📅 December 24: Carolina designates G Robert Hunt to return from injured reserve.
- 📅 December 17: The Panthers designate WR David Moore to return from injured reserve.
- 📅 November 26: Carolina places CB Corey Thornton on injured reserve.
- 📅 November 16: Young sets a franchise single-game passing record by throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns in Week 11.
- 📅 November 1: The Panthers activate G Chandler Zavala from injured reserve and release RB DeeJay Dallas.
- 📅 October 18: Carolina activates WR Jalen Coker and C Austin Corbett from injured reserve. LB Patrick Jones II placed on injured reserve
- 📅 October 4: The Panthers activate DE LaBryan Ray from the injured reserve list.
- 📅 October 3: Carolina designates WR Jalen Coker to return from injured reserve list.
- 📅 September 15: The Panthers place G Robert Hunt and C Austin Corbett on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 1: Carolina signs WR Hunter Renfrow.
- 📅 August 28: The Panthers trade WR Adam Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-rounder, and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Vikings in exchange for Minnesota's 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 fourth-rounder.
- 📅 August 21: Carolina activates TE Tommy Tremble from the active/physically unable to perform list.
Be sure to check back often as we continue to update this list with relevant news affecting the Panthers.
- 📅 July 28: The Panthers activate DT Bobby Brown III and P Sam Martin from the active/non-football injury list.
- 📅 July 22: Carolina releases LB Josey Jewell and signs TE Tyler Mabry.
- 📅 May 08: The Panthers place RB Jonathon Brooks on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
- 📅 April 24: Carolina drafts WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) in the first round of the 2025 draft.
- 📅 March 24: The Panthers re-sign WR David Moore and DB Nick Scott.
- 📅 March 12: The Panthers sign DT Tershawn Wharton, S Tre'von Moehrig, and RB Rico Dowdle.
- 📅 February 18: QB Andy Dalton signs a two-year deal with Carolina.
Carolina Panthers Schedule & Betting Lines
The Panthers started their 2025 season with two straight road games: Week 1 in Jacksonville against the Jaguars, and Week 2 in Arizona against the Cardinals, losing both. They earned a win at home against the Rams in Week 13 and took a late-season bye in Week 14.
| Panthers Schedule | Line | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 at Jacksonville Jaguars | CAR +3.5, ML +164 | L 26-10 |
| Week 2 at Arizona Cardinals | CAR +6.5, ML +245 | L 27-22 |
| Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons | CAR +5.5, ML +180 | W 30-0 |
| Week 4 at New England Patriots | CAR +5.5, ML +205 | L 42-13 |
| Week 5 vs. Miami Dolphins | CAR +1.5, ML +100 | W 27-24 |
| Week 6 vs. Dallas Cowboys | CAR +3.5, ML +154 | W 30-27 |
| Week 7 at New York Jets | CAR -1.5, ML -135 | W 13-6 |
| Week 8 vs. Buffalo Bills | CAR +7, ML +285 | L 40-9 |
| Week 9 at Green Bay Packers | CAR +12.5, ML +625 | W 16-13 |
| Week 10 vs. New Orleans Saints | CAR -5.5, ML -245 | L 17-7 |
| Week 11 at Atlanta Falcons | CAR +3.5, ML +160 | W 30-27 |
| Week 12 at San Francisco 49ers | CAR +7, ML +275 | L 20-9 |
| Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Rams | CAR +10.5, ML +500 | W 31-28 |
| Week 14 BYE | - | - |
| Week 15 at New Orleans Saints | CAR -2.5, ML -220 | L 17-20 |
| Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | CAR +2.5, ML +120 | W 23-20 |
| Week 17 vs. Seattle Seahawks | CAR +1.5, ML +100 | L 27-10 |
| Week 18 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | CAR +2.5, ML +120 | L 16-14 |
Key Contributors Toward Panthers Playoff Chances
The Panthers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017, bringing some notable trends with them. Carolina finished the season 10–7 against the spread, consistently outperforming expectations. In the backfield, Rico Dowdle has 28 carries for 98 yards over his last three games, with no touchdowns and one fumble. The Panthers have already beaten the Rams this season, back in Week 13, 31–28. If Carolina can replicate that performance, they could pull off the upset as 10.5-point underdogs entering the Wild Card matchup.
🔥 MORE: Bryce Young Odds
Looking Ahead: Panthers Playoff Picture
Injuries could play a key role in the Panthers’ quest for a Super Bowl as they prepare for their Wild Card matchup against the Rams. Carolina enters the game with several defensive question marks. Defensive ends Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) and Bobby Brown III (concussion) are both listed as questionable, along with linebacker Claudin Cherelus (calf) and cornerback Robert Rochell (concussion). On offense, guard Chandler Zavala has been designated for return from injured reserve, potentially strengthening the interior line if he suits up.
The Rams also have a long injury report to monitor. Wide receivers Davante Adams (hamstring) and Jordan Whittington (knee) are questionable, as is tight end Terrance Ferguson (hamstring). Up front, right guard Kevin Dotson (ankle) and linebacker Shaun Dolac (knee) are also listed as questionable. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) is eligible to be activated from injured reserve, which could provide a boost to Los Angeles’ offensive line.
Are the Panthers Out of the Playoff Picture?
No, the Panthers aren’t out of the playoffs. Carolina won the NFC South and earned the No. 4 seed, keeping their home-field advantage alive as they chase a Super Bowl run.
Panthers Playoff Picture vs. NFC South
The Panthers tied with the Saints to finish last place in the NFC South with a 5-12 record in 2024.
This season was very different, with the Panthers finishing in first place.
- Carolina Panthers 8-9
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-9
- Atlanta Falcons 8-9
- New Orleans Saints 6-11
We’ll continue to update this section next season with the Panthers’ position in the division.
Panthers Playoff Picture vs NFC Standings
The Panthers finished last season with one of the worst records in the NFC at 5–12. They entered 2025 projected to finish near the bottom again but have surpassed expectations. They are still a long shot to win the NFC, with just a 1.5% chance to claim the conference. The Seattle Seahawks currently hold the best odds to win the NFC.
Panthers Playoff Picture Outlook & Predictions for 2025-26
The Carolina Panthers are still in the early stages of their rebuild and will need time to see if their offseason upgrades pay off on both sides of the ball. They made significant changes this offseason, aiming to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. So far, the roster has delivered, as Carolina heads into the playoffs after winning the division.
🔥 MORE: Panthers Injury Report
Who to Root for if You're a Carolina Panthers Fan
Aside from rooting for the Panthers, Carolina fans would normally cheer for any team that takes on the Falcons, Saints, or Buccaneers, which are divisional rivals. In the playoffs, Carolina fans should root for the Panthers and against the Los Angeles Rams.
Carolina Panthers Playoff Chances FAQs
The Carolina Panthers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2017. To continue their postseason run, they will need to defeat the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams in Charlotte on January 10 in the Wild Card round.
No, the Carolina Panthers are not eliminated from the playoffs. After winning the NFC South, they will play in the Wild Card game on January 10 against the Los Angels Rams in Charlotte. They enter the matchup as 10.5-point underdogs.
Yes, the Carolina Panthers clinched a playoff spot with the No. 4 seed after winning the division. They will host the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card game on January 10 in Charlotte. The Panthers are 10.5-point underdogs ahead of kickoff.
Yes, the Carolina Panthers have already made the playoffs after clinching the division in Week 18. With an 8–9 record, Carolina earned the No. 4 seed and will host the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams on January 10.
Yes, the Panthers made the playoffs this year. This is the first time since 2017 that Carolina has earned a trip to the postseason. They will now need to defeat the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round on January 10.
You can bet on the Carolina Panthers to make the playoffs with most major sportsbooks, including those in North Carolina. Popular sportsbooks where you can bet on the Panthers to make the playoffs include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN BET, and Caesars.
No, the Panthers did not make the playoffs in the 2024–25 NFL season, finishing last in the division, and they hadn’t reached the postseason since 2017–18. After winning the division this season, Carolina has earned a trip back to the playoffs.
The Panthers can reach the playoffs by either winning the NFC South, having the best record among the division’s four teams, or by earning one of the three Wild Card spots reserved for the best records among the remaining 12 NFC teams. This season, the Panthers ended up winning the division to punch their ticket to the playoffs.
Author
Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.
