Atlanta Falcons

Panthers Survive Elimination Sunday

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:09 p.m. ET

Fansided, Brandon Scott/FanSided via Cat Crave

Playing on Monday night to conclude Week 15 the Carolina Panthers could have been eliminated from playoff contention prior to the game.

For the Carolina Panthers 2016 has been a season of disappointment. A year removed from a Super Bowl 50 appearance and 15-1 regular season the Panthers entered this year with high expectations.

After losing on opening week to the Denver Bronocos, who Carolina had played in the Super Bowl, the Panthers would only win one of their first six games. Since a Week 7 bye the Panthers are 4-3 with narrow losses to both the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.

Entering Monday night’s game Carolina could have been erased from playoff consideration with wins by both Atlanta and Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Falcons won convincingly 41-13, but the Bucs stumbled in Dallas, 26-20.

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Despite the large amount of help needed for Carolina, mathematically they remain playoff eligible as they play in prime time on Monday night.

Following is a review of what needs to occur in order for Carolina to make a playoff return this season.

The Panthers must win each of their remaining games in Washington, versus Atlanta, and in Tampa Bay to conclude the year. Carolina has already lost to both the Falcons and Bucs but by winning out would finish with an 8-8 record.

New Orleans needs a win over Tampa Bay (Week 16) and loss to Atlanta (Week 17). Tampa Bay would end 8-8 and the Saints 7-9.

Green Bay needs to lose each of their remaining games and Carolina needs a Week 17 loss by Minnesota to Chicago. The Packers and Vikings would both be 8-8 as well.

Finally, Washington needs three consecutive losses including tonight to the Panthers. A 7-8-1 record would eliminate the Redskins from consideration.

Should Carolina be fortunate enough to finish the year in an 8-8 tie with Tampa Bay, Green Bay, and Minnesota the Panthers hold the tiebreaker with their 7-5 NFC record.

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