NFL · NFC South · Est. 1995 · Bank of America Stadium
Updated March 17, 2026
The Panthers won the NFC South with a below-.500 record of 8-9, becoming the weakest division winner in the NFC as the No. 4 seed. In a division where no team could separate itself, Carolina did just enough to claim the crown. It was an improbable playoff berth for a franchise that many expected to be picking in the top five of the draft, and it gave the Panthers their first postseason appearance in years.
The Panthers' unlikely playoff appearance ended in the Wild Card round with a 34-31 loss to the Rams. Carolina competed hard and kept the game close throughout, but ultimately lacked the firepower to pull off the upset. Still, the experience of meaningful January football was valuable for a young roster that exceeded all expectations simply by making the postseason.
Despite the division title, Carolina's quarterback situation remains the franchise's biggest unresolved question heading into 2026. The Panthers need to determine whether they have a long-term answer under center or if the upcoming draft and free agency should be used to find one. An 8-9 division title is encouraging, but sustained success requires elite play at the game's most important position.