Panthers miss chance to clinch NFL South in loss to Seahawks, set up winner-take-all clash with Bucs in Week 18

The Panthers will travel to Tampa next week for the winner-take-all game.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 28: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers is seen before playing the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 28: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers is seen before playing the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Jared C. Tilton via Getty Images

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers losing on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers had a chance to lock up the NFC South title and a playoff spot. 

But a ball-hawking Seattle Seahawks defense ensured that the NFC South remains up for grabs. 

Sunday's Panthers-Seahawks game in Charlotte went into the third quarter tied at 3-3. But the Panthers turned the ball over on consecutive possessions in their own territory. The Seahawks converted each of those turnovers into touchdowns to take control of a 27-10 Seattle win. 

With the win, the Seahawks remain in control of the NFC West and No. 1 seed in the NFC. If the San Francisco 49ers beat the Chicago Bears Sunday night, they'll set up a winner-take-all Week 18 game for the division and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. 

The NFC South and the division's lone playoff berth, meanwhile, will come down to next week's game between the Panthers and Buccaneers. The Bucs lost to the Dolphins at the same time the Panthers played the Seahawks, opening for Carolina to clinch the division.

But Carolina couldn't capitalize, and the Panthers will travel to Tampa next week for the winner-take-all game.

Category: General Sports