2025 Carolina Panthers season

2025 Carolina Panthers season
2025 Carolina Panthers season
Owner	David Tepper
General manager	Dan Morgan
Head coach	Dave Canales
Offensive coordinator	Brad Idzik
Defensive coordinator	Ejiro Evero
Home stadium	Bank of America Stadium
Results
Record	8–9
Division place	1st NFC South
Playoffs	Lost Wild Card Playoffs; (vs. Rams) 31–34
Pro Bowlers	CB Jaycee Horn
Uniform

The 2025 season was the Carolina Panthers' 31st in the National Football League (NFL) and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Dave Canales and Dan Morgan. The Panthers improved upon their 5–12 record from 2024 after an overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Carolina returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and won their first NFC South division title since 2015. The Panthers notably pulled off a 31–28 upset win at home against the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams in Week 13.^[1]

For the first time since 2014, linebacker Shaq Thompson was not on the roster, as he was released on February 24.^[2] With their victory on October 19, the Panthers jumped to a 4–3 record. It was the first time the team had been over .500 since 2021. The Panthers' .471 winning percentage was their best since 2017. However, losses in their final two games would seal the Panthers’ eighth consecutive losing season, finishing the regular season with a Week 18 defeat at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This loss cost the Panthers a chance to clinch the division outright. However, a victory by the Atlanta Falcons over the New Orleans Saints on the following day gave Carolina the division title anyway due to a three-way tie with head-to-head advantage. The Panthers became the fifth team in NFL history to win a division with a losing record in a full season, joining the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, Carolina's 2014 squad, the 2020 Washington Football Team, and the 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This also made Carolina the first team in NFL history to win two division titles with a losing record. Despite the turnaround season, however, their season would come to an abrupt end as the Panthers lost to the Los Angeles Rams with a score of 34–31 in the Wild Card Round. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillen won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and 7 scores.

Draft

2025 Carolina Panthers draft selections
Round	Selection	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	8	Tetairoa McMillan	WR	Arizona
2	39	Traded to the Chicago Bears^[A]
	51	Nic Scourton	EDGE	Texas A&M	From Broncos^[B]
	57	Traded to the Denver Broncos^[B]			From Rams^[C]
3	74	Traded to the Denver Broncos^[B]
	77	Princely Umanmielen	EDGE	Ole Miss	From Patriots^[D]
	85	Traded to the New England Patriots^[D]			From Broncos^[B]
4	111	Traded to the Denver Broncos^[B]
	114	Trevor Etienne	RB	Georgia	From Cowboys^[E]
	122	Lathan Ransom	S	Ohio State	From Broncos^[B]
5	140	Cam Jackson	DT	Florida	From Giants^[F]
	146	Traded to the New England Patriots^[D]
	163	Mitchell Evans	TE	Notre Dame	From Ravens^[G]
6	183	Traded to the Baltimore Ravens^[G]
6	208	Jimmy Horn Jr.	WR	Colorado	From Broncos^[B]
7	226	Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs^[H]			From 49ers^[I]
	230	Traded to the Denver Broncos^[B]			From Cardinals^[J]
	247	Traded to the Dallas Cowboys^[E]

2025 Carolina Panthers undrafted free agents
Name	Position	College	Ref.
JaTravis Broughton	CB	TCU	^[13]
Ryan Fitzgerald	K	Florida State
Ethan Garbers	QB	UCLA
Jacolby George	WR	Miami (FL)
Isaac Gifford	S	Nebraska
Jared Harrison-Hunte	DE	SMU
Jack Henderson	S	Minnesota
Kobe Hudson	WR	UCF
Luke Kandra	OL	Cincinnati
Steven Losoya	OL	Vanderbilt
Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams	RB	Michigan State
Bam Martin-Scott	LB	South Carolina
Moose Muhammad III	WR	Texas A&M
Tuasivi Nomura	LB	Fresno State
Bryce Pierre	TE	UCLA
Michael Reid	CB	South Dakota
Michael Tarquin	OL	Oklahoma
Trevian Thomas	S	Arkansas State
Corey Thornton	CB	Louisville

Draft trades

^ The Panthers traded a second-round selection, 2023 first- and second-round selections (9th and 61st overall), a 2024 first-round selection (1st overall) and WR D. J. Moore to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 first-round selection (1st overall).^[3]
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h The Panthers traded a 2nd round selection (57th overall), a 3rd round selection (74th overall), a fourth round selection (111th overall) and a seventh-round selection (230th overall) to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a second round selection (51st overall), a third round selection (85th overall), a fourth round selection (122nd overall), and a sixth-round selection (208th overall).^[4]
^ The Panthers traded a 2024 second-round selection (39th overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a second-round selection, and 2024 second- and fifth-round selections (52nd and 155th overall).^[5]
^ ^a ^b ^c The Panthers traded a 3rd round pick (85th overall) and a fifth round selection (146th overall) to the Patriots for a third round selection (77th overall).^[6]
^ ^a ^b The Panthers traded a seventh-round selection and WR Jonathan Mingo to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round selection (114th overall).^[7]
^ The Panthers traded a 2024 fifth-round selection and LB Brian Burns to the New York Giants in exchange for a conditional fifth-round selection (140th overall), and 2024 second- and fifth-round selections.^[8]
^ ^a ^b The Panthers traded a sixth-round selection and WR Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fifth-round selection.^[9]
^ The Panthers traded a conditional seventh-round selection to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection and WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette.^[10]
^ The Panthers traded a conditional seventh-round selection and K Zane Gonzalez to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection.^[11]
^ The Panthers traded WR Robbie Chosen to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round selection and a 2024 sixth-round selection.^[12]

Staff

**2025 Carolina Panthers staff**
	Front office Owner – David Tepper President – Kristi Coleman President of football operations/general manager – Dan Morgan Executive vice president of football operations – Brandt Tilis Vice president of football analytics - Eric Eager Vice president of development/football administration – Brian Decker Director of pro scouting – Lee McNeill Director of college scouting – Jared Kirksey Assistant director of college scouting – Dave Whittington Head coaches Head coach – Dave Canales Assistant head coach/run game coordinator – Harold Goodwin Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Brad Idzik Quarterbacks – Will Harriger Assistant quarterbacks coach/pass game specialist – Mike Bercovici Running backs – Bernie Parmalee Wide receivers – Rob Moore Tight ends – Pat McPherson Offensive line – Joe Gilbert Offensive assistant – Keyshawn Colmon Offensive quality control – Dean Petzing			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Ejiro Evero Defensive passing game coordinator – Jonathan Cooley Defensive line – Todd Wash Linebackers – Peter Hansen Outside linebackers – A.C. Carter Assistant linebackers coach – Mayur Chaudhari Secondary – Renaldo Hill Senior defensive assistant – Dom Capers Defensive assistant – Kevin Peterson Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Tracy Smith Assistant special teams coordinator – Daren Bates Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Jeremy Scott Strength and conditioning assistant/return to play coordinator – Thomas Barbeau Human performance assistant – Timothy Rabas

Final roster

**2025 Carolina Panthers roster**
Quarterbacks (QB) 14 Andy Dalton 9 Bryce Young Running backs (RB) 5 Rico Dowdle 23 Trevor Etienne 30 Chuba Hubbard Wide receivers (WR) 18 Jalen Coker 15 Jimmy Horn Jr. 17 Xavier Legette 4 Tetairoa McMillan 83 David Moore 87 Brycen Tremayne Tight ends (TE) 84 Mitchell Evans 85 James Mitchell 82 Tommy Tremble		Offensive linemen (OL) 63 Austin Corbett C 74 Jake Curhan LT 79 Ikem Ekwonu LT 50 Robert Hunt G 68 Damien Lewis G 64 Cade Mays C 72 Taylor Moton RT 77 Yosh Nijman LT 60 Nick Samac C Defensive linemen (DL) 97 Bobby Brown III DT 95 Derrick Brown DE 75 Jared Harrison-Hunte DE 92 Cam Jackson DT 93 LaBryan Ray DE 94 A'Shawn Robinson DE 99 Tershawn Wharton DT		Linebackers (LB) 40 Krys Barnes ILB 53 Claudin Cherelus ILB 52 Trevis Gipson OLB 48 Thomas Incoom OLB 57 Bam Martin-Scott ILB 55 Maema Njongmeta ILB 56 Christian Rozeboom ILB 11 Nic Scourton OLB 27 Isaiah Simmons ILB 3 Princely Umanmielen OLB 98 D. J. Wonnum OLB Defensive backs (DB) 20 D'Anthony Bell S 29 Akayleb Evans CB 8 Jaycee Horn CB 2 Mike Jackson CB 7 Tre'von Moehrig SS 22 Lathan Ransom FS 33 Robert Rochell CB 21 Nick Scott FS 26 Chau Smith-Wade CB Special teams (ST) 10 Ryan Fitzgerald K 44 J. J. Jansen LS 6 Sam Martin P		Practice squad 65 Ja'Tyre Carter G 78 Saahdiq Charles G 88 Dan Chisena WR 96 Jaden Crumedy DE 81 Ross Dwelley TE 37 Montrell Johnson Jr. RB 35 David Long CB 49 Jamil Muhammad LB 58 Mapalo Mwansa ILB (Int.) 45 Bryce Pierre TE 86 Ja’seem Reed WR 36 Demani Richardson SS 80 Ainias Smith WR 34 Anthony Tyus III RB 73 Brandon Walton LT 16 Mike White QB 41 Jacoby Windmon OLB Reserve 78 Popo Aumavae NT (IR) 24 Jonathon Brooks RB (PUP) 70 Brady Christensen G (IR) 91 Patrick Jones II OLB (IR) 28 Damarri Mathis CB (IR) 0 Ja'Tavion Sanders TE (IR) 31 Corey Thornton CB (IR) 32 Trevin Wallace ILB (IR) 62 Chandler Zavala LG (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 9 reserve, 17 practice squad

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	August 8	Cleveland Browns	L 10–30	0–1	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
2	August 16	at Houston Texans	L 3–20	0–2	NRG Stadium	Recap
3	August 21	Pittsburgh Steelers	L 10–19	0–3	Bank of America Stadium	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 7	at Jacksonville Jaguars	L 10–26	0–1	EverBank Stadium	Recap
2	September 14	at Arizona Cardinals	L 22–27	0–2	State Farm Stadium	Recap
3	September 21	Atlanta Falcons	W 30–0	1–2	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
4	September 28	at New England Patriots	L 13–42	1–3	Gillette Stadium	Recap
5	October 5	Miami Dolphins	W 27–24	2–3	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
6	October 12	Dallas Cowboys	W 30–27	3–3	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
7	October 19	at New York Jets	W 13–6	4–3	MetLife Stadium	Recap
8	October 26	Buffalo Bills	L 9–40	4–4	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
9	November 2	at Green Bay Packers	W 16–13	5–4	Lambeau Field	Recap
10	November 9	New Orleans Saints	L 7–17	5–5	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
11	November 16	at Atlanta Falcons	W 30–27 (OT)	6–5	Mercedes-Benz Stadium	Recap
12	November 24	at San Francisco 49ers	L 9–20	6–6	Levi's Stadium	Recap
13	November 30	Los Angeles Rams	W 31–28	7–6	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
14	Bye
15	December 14	at New Orleans Saints	L 17–20	7–7	Caesars Superdome	Recap
16	December 21	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 23–20	8–7	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
17	December 28	Seattle Seahawks	L 10–27	8–8	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
18	January 3	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 14–16	8–9	Raymond James Stadium	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	0	0	7	10
Jaguars	3	17	0	6	26

at EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Date: September 7
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 85 °F (29 °C)
Game attendance: 59,957
Referee: Alex Moore
TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

JAX – Cam Little 35-yard field goal, 8:15. Jaguars 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 6:45.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 48-yard field goal, 0:36. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 41 yards, 7:39.

Second quarter

JAX – Hunter Long 6-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 8:32. Jaguars 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 4:12.
JAX – Brian Thomas Jr. 9-yard run (Cam Little kick), 1:49. Jaguars 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 91 yards, 1:50.
JAX – Cam Little 47-yard field goal, 0:01. Jaguars 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

JAX – Cam Little 36-yard field goal, 7:09. Jaguars 23–3. Drive: 15 plays, 49 yards, 8:07.
CAR – Chuba Hubbard 27-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 4:47. Jaguars 23–10. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:22.
JAX – Cam Little 28-yard field goal, 1:57. Jaguars 26–10. Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 2:50.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 18/35, 154 yards, TD, 2 INT
JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 19/31, 178 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 16 rushes, 57 yards
JAX – Travis Etienne – 16 rushes, 143 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 5 receptions, 68 yards
JAX – Brenton Strange – 4 receptions, 59 yards

In the season opener, the Panthers lost to Jacksonville 10–26. They started the season 0–1 for the fourth consecutive season. The game featured a 66-minute weather delay due to lightning in the area.^[14]

Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 2: Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	0	6	13	22
Cardinals	10	10	7	0	27

at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Date: September 14
Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. MST
Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
Game attendance: 64,003
Referee: Ron Torbert
TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta and Aditi Kinkhabwala
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

ARI – 3-yard fumble recovery by Zaven Collins (Chad Ryland kick), 13:27. Cardinals 7–0.
ARI – Chad Ryland 29-yard field goal, 5:19. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 3:34.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 27-yard field goal, 0:50. Cardinals 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:29.

Second quarter

ARI – Chad Ryland 47-yard field goal, 1:55. Cardinals 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:24.
ARI – Michael Wilson 11-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Chad Ryland kick), 0:04. Cardinals 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

ARI – James Conner 2-yard run (Chad Ryland kick), 9:23. Cardinals 27–3. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 5:37.
CAR – Hunter Renfrow 4-yard pass from Bryce Young (run failed), 2:06. Cardinals 27–9. Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 7:17.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 5-yard pass from Bryce Young (run failed), 5:05. Cardinals 27–15. Drive: 14 plays, 88 yards, 5:27.
CAR – Hunter Renfrow 1-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:58. Cardinals 27–22. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 2:33.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 35/55, 328 yards, 3 TD, INT
ARI – Kyler Murray – 17/25, 220 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 10 rushes, 38 yards
ARI – James Conner – 11 rushes, 34 yards, TD

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 6 receptions, 100 yards
ARI – Trey McBride – 6 receptions, 78 yards

After scoring just three points in the first half and entering the fourth quarter trailing 27–3, the Panthers rallied in the second half and came close to defeating Arizona. However, the potential comeback fell short when Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell sealed the game with a sack on Bryce Young. Carolina lost to Arizona 22–27 and fell to 0–2 on the season.^[15]

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	0	0	0	0
Panthers	7	3	10	10	30

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: September 21
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 84 °F (29 °C)
Game attendance: 71,129
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (Fox): Alex Faust, Matt Millen and Sarah Kustok
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Bryce Young 4-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 6:44. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:06.

Second quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 57-yard field goal, 5:24. Panthers 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 5:21.

Third quarter

CAR – Chau Smith-Wade 11-yard interception return (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 11:39. Panthers 17–0.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, 4:48. Panthers 20–0. Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 4:36.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Rico Dowdle 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 10:48. Panthers 27–0. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 5:29.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 41-yard field goal, 3:41. Panthers 30–0. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 4:21.

Top passers

ATL – Michael Penix Jr. – 18/36, 172 yards, INT
CAR – Bryce Young – 16/24, 121 yards

Top rushers

ATL – Bijan Robinson – 13 rushes, 72 yards
CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 17 rushes, 73 yards

Top receivers

ATL – Drake London – 5 receptions, 55 yards
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 3 receptions, 48 yards

In the Panthers' home opener, Atlanta was first with the ball and they missed their field goal attempt. Carolina gets the ball and quarterback Bryce Young scores a touchdown. On their next possession, punt returner Trevor Etienne dropped the ball and it was recovered by Atlanta. The Falcons try for another field but missed again. In the second, Ryan Fitzgerald kicks a field goal. They go into the half with a 10–0 lead. In the third, Chau Smith-Wade intercepts a pass intended for Bijan Robinson and scores a touchdown. Towards the end of the third, Michael Penix Jr. threw another interception this time caught by cornerback Mike Jackson. In the fourth, Rico Dowdle scored a touchdown. In their next possession, Fitzgerald scored another field goal. Carolina shuts out Atlanta 30–0 and improves to 1–2. This was the Panthers' first shutout victory since the 2020 season.

Week 4: at New England Patriots

Week 4: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	6	0	0	7	13
Patriots	7	21	7	7	42

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Date: September 28
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 76 °F (24 °C)
Game attendance: 64,628
Referee: Bill Vinovich
TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Tommy Tremble 7-yard pass from Bryce Young (kick failed, hit left upright), 10:51. Panthers 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 4:09.
NE – Marcus Jones 87-yard punt return (Andrés Borregales kick), 5:34. Patriots 7–6.

Second quarter

NE – Drake Maye 5-yard run (Andrés Borregales kick), 14:54. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:02.
NE – TreVeyon Henderson 5-yard run (Andrés Borregales kick), 5:48. Patriots 21–6. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:07.
NE – Antonio Gibson 1-yard run (Andrés Borregales kick), 1:57. Patriots 28–6. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 2:05.

Third quarter

NE – Hunter Henry 31-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andrés Borregales kick), 10:17. Patriots 35–6. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:43.

Fourth quarter

NE – Mack Hollins 4-yard pass from Drake Maye (Andrés Borregales kick), 14:13. Patriots 42–6. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 3:10.
CAR – Mitchell Evans 2-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:56. Patriots 42–13. Drive: 13 plays, 91 yards, 6:45.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 18/30, 150 yards, TD
NE – Drake Maye – 14/17, 203 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 10 rushes, 49 yards
NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 9 rushes, 38 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 4 receptions, 62 yards
NE – Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 101 yards

The Patriots proved to be too much for the Panthers, as the Panthers were blown out with a loss of 42–13. Carolina fell to 1–3 with the loss. This was their first loss in New England since 2009, as well as their second loss to the Patriots in five seasons.

Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 5: Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	3	14	0	7	24
Panthers	0	10	3	14	27

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: October 5
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 77 °F (25 °C)
Game attendance: 72,301
Referee: Clay Martin
TV announcers (Fox): Eric Collins, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

MIA – Riley Patterson 43-yard field goal, 9:03. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 5:57.

Second quarter

MIA – De'Von Achane 10-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Riley Patterson kick), 14:55. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 6:36.
MIA – Darren Waller 4-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Riley Patterson kick), 10:48. Dolphins 17–0. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 3:13.
CAR – Xavier Legette 7-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 3:24. Dolphins 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 7:24.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, 0:00. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 1:47.

Third quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 49-yard field goal, 12:15. Dolphins 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 2:45.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Rico Dowdle 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 6:10. Panthers 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 4:02.
MIA – Jaylen Waddle 46-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Riley Patterson kick), 4:42. Dolphins 24–20. Drive: 3 plays, 57 yards, 1:28.
CAR – Mitchell Evans 4-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:59. Panthers 27–24. Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 2:43.

Top passers

MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 27/36, 256 yards, 3 TD
CAR – Bryce Young – 19/30, 198 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

MIA – De'Von Achane – 10 rushes, 16 yards
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 23 rushes, 206 yards, TD

Top receivers

MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 6 receptions, 110 yards, TD
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 6 receptions, 73 yards

The Panthers rallied from a 17–0 deficit late in the second quarter, en route to beat Miami 27–24. The Panthers outgained the Dolphins on the ground 237–19. The Panthers tied a franchise record with their 17-point comeback, improving to 4–117 (including playoffs) when trailing by 17 or more. Carolina improves to 2–3.^[16]

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	3	14	7	3	27
Panthers	3	10	7	10	30

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: October 12
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Cloudy, 68 °F (20 °C)
Game attendance: 71,619
Referee: John Hussey
TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 31-yard field goal, 9:08. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 4:09.
DAL – Brandon Aubrey 23-yard field goal, 4:48. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:20.

Second quarter

DAL – Hunter Luepke 3-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Brandon Aubrey kick), 14:56. Cowboys 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 2:09.
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 19-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 11:29. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:27.
DAL – Jake Ferguson 19-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Brandon Aubrey kick), 3:39. Cowboys 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:50.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 55-yard field goal, 0:20. Cowboys 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 3:19.

Third quarter

CAR – Rico Dowdle 36-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 13:19. Panthers 20–17. Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:41.
DAL – George Pickens 34-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Brandon Aubrey kick), 2:38. Cowboys 24–20. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:50.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 2-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 12:20. Panthers 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:18.
DAL – Brandon Aubrey 28-yard field goal, 9:20. Tied 27–27. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 3:00.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 33-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 30–27. Drive: 15 plays, 71 yards, 6:07.

Top passers

DAL – Dak Prescott – 25/34, 261 yards, 3 TD
CAR – Bryce Young – 17/25, 199 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

DAL – Javonte Williams – 13 rushes, 29 yards
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 30 rushes, 183 yards

Top receivers

DAL – George Pickens – 9 receptions, 168 yards, TD
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 4 receptions, 56 yards, TD

In a close game with the Cowboys, where both teams were tied at the end, Ryan Fitzgerald kicked the game-winning field goal. Carolina improved to 3–3, and to .500 for the first time since the 2021 season. This win was also the Panthers first win against Dallas since 2018, snapping a 3 game losing streak.^[17]

Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 to 2024, finished the game with 239 total yards from scrimmage, setting a new franchise record for Carolina.^[17]^[18]

Week 7: at New York Jets

Week 7: Carolina Panthers at New York Jets – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	3	7	3	0	13
Jets	0	3	0	3	6

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Date: October 19
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Mostly Sunny, 71 °F (22 °C)
Game attendance: 71,047
Referee: Brad Rogers
TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Sarah Kustok
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 30-yard field goal, 5:42. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 54 yards, 6:34.

Second quarter

NYJ – Nick Folk 34-yard field goal, 11:02. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:48.
CAR – Xavier Legette 3-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:11. Panthers 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 2:30.

Third quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 29-yard field goal, 10:40. Panthers 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 4:20.

Fourth quarter

NYJ – Nick Folk 47-yard field goal, 6:46. Panthers 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 2:27.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 15/25, 138 yards, TD
NYJ – Tyrod Taylor – 10/22, 126 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 17 rushes, 79 yards
NYJ – Breece Hall – 11 rushes, 38 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Xavier Legette – 9 receptions, 92 yards, TD
NYJ – Tyler Johnson – 3 receptions, 60 yards

The Panthers were the first to score in the first quarter, with a Ryan Fitzgerald 30-yard field goal. Nick Folk of the New York Jets tied it in the second, with a field goal. Carolina took back the lead when Bryce Young passed to Xavier Legette for a 3-yard touchdown, plus the PAT. Carolina scored a field goal in the third, while the Jets did the same in the fourth. The Panthers improved to 4–3.^[19] They went above .500 for the first time since the 2021 season.^[20]

Week 8: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	16	21	0	40
Panthers	0	3	0	6	9

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: October 26
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 63 °F (17 °C)
Game attendance: 73,505
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

BUF – Matt Prater 45-yard field goal, 7:14. Bills 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:31.

Second quarter

BUF – Matt Prater 43-yard field goal, 13:03. Bills 6–0. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 5:37.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 48-yard field goal, 8:58. Bills 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 4:05.
BUF – James Cook 64-yard run (kick failed, wide left), 7:23. Bills 12–3. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:35.
BUF – Josh Allen 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 1:48. Bills 19–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:02.

Third quarter

BUF – Khalil Shakir 54-yard pass from Josh Allen (Matt Prater kick), 12:18. Bills 26–3. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:42.
BUF – James Cook 21-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 4:59. Bills 33–3. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 5:12.
BUF – Josh Allen 1-yard run (Matt Prater kick), 1:19. Bills 40–3. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:22.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 3-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 10:33. Bills 40–9. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:46.

Top passers

BUF – Josh Allen – 12/19, 163 yards, TD
CAR – Andy Dalton – 16/24, 175 yards, INT

Top rushers

BUF – James Cook – 19 rushes, 216 yards, 2 TD
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 8 rushes, 54 yards

Top receivers

BUF – Khalil Shakir – 6 receptions, 88 yards, TD
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 7 receptions, 99 yards

In this game against Buffalo, the Bills beat Carolina 40–9. With the loss, the Panthers fell to 4–4.

Week 9: at Green Bay Packers

Week 9: Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	7	6	3	16
Packers	0	6	0	7	13

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Date: November 2
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
Game weather: Cloudy, 47 °F (8 °C)
Game attendance: 77,864
Referee: Land Clark
TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

No scoring plays

Second quarter

GB – Brandon McManus 49-yard field goal, 7:53. Packers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:02.
CAR – Rico Dowdle 5-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:22. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 5:31.
GB – Brandon McManus 27-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 2:22.

Third quarter

CAR – Rico Dowdle 1-yard run (kick short), 2:12. Panthers 13–6. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:15.

Fourth quarter

GB – Josh Jacobs 1-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 2:01. Tied 13–13. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 4:52.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 49-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 16–13. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 2:32.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 11/20, 102 yards, INT
GB – Jordan Love – 26/37, 273 yards, INT

Top rushers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 25 rushes, 130 yards, 2 TD
GB – Josh Jacobs – 17 rushes, 87 yards, TD

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 4 receptions, 46 yards
GB – Romeo Doubs – 7 receptions, 91 yards

It was a scoreless first quarter for both the Panthers and Packers. In the second, Brandon McManus kicked a 49-yard field goal for Green Bay. Rico Dowdle scored a 5-yard touchdown for Carolina, plus the PAT. McManus kicked another field goal for Green Bay. Carolina went into the half with a 7–6 lead. Dowdle scored again in the third but the extra point attempt was no good. Green Bay tied it up in the fourth with a Josh Jacobs touchdown. With just one second remaining, Ryan Fitzgerald nailed a 49-yard field goal to lift the Panthers to a thrilling 16–13 victory.

Despite entering the game as two-touchdown underdogs, the Panthers pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the NFL this season.^[21] With the upset win, the Panthers improved to 5–4. This was their first win against the Packers since 2017 and their first win at Green Bay since 2008.

Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 10: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	3	7	0	7	17
Panthers	7	0	0	0	7

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: November 9
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 73 °F (23 °C)
Game attendance: 72,804
Referee: Brad Allen
TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Rico Dowdle 5-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 7:59. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 7:01.
NO – Blake Grupe 21-yard field goal, 2:52. Panthers 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:07.

Second quarter

NO – Chris Olave 62-yard pass from Tyler Shough (Blake Grupe kick), 9:21. Saints 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:57.

Third quarter

No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

NO – Juwan Johnson 30-yard pass from Tyler Shough (Blake Grupe kick), 10:20. Saints 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:34.

Top passers

NO – Tyler Shough – 19/27, 282 yards, 2 TD
CAR – Bryce Young – 17/25, 124 yards, INT

Top rushers

NO – Alvin Kamara – 22 rushes, 83 yards
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 18 rushes, 53 yards, TD

Top receivers

NO – Chris Olave – 5 receptions, 104 yards, TD
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 5 receptions, 60 yards

Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 11: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Panthers	7	3	9	8	3	30
Falcons	7	14	0	6	0	27

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Date: November 16
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Mostly sunny, 72 °F (22 °C) (retractable roof open)
Game attendance: 70,739
Referee: Clay Martin
TV announcers (Fox): Jason Benetti, Brady Quinn and Sarah Kustok
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 7-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 5:25. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 7:30.
ATL – Bijan Robinson 4-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 3:33. Tied 7–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:52.

Second quarter

ATL – Bijan Robinson 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 7:52. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 13 plays, 95 yards, 8:07.
ATL – Tyler Allgeier 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 1:41. Falcons 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:43.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 29-yard field goal, 0:25. Falcons 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 1:16.

Third quarter

CAR – Xavier Legette 36-yard pass from Bryce Young (pass failed), 12:04. Falcons 21–16. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:56.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 34-yard field goal, 0:58. Falcons 21–19. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 4:14.

Fourth quarter

ATL – Zane Gonzalez 52-yard field goal, 2:43. Falcons 24–19. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:19.
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 12-yard pass from Bryce Young (Bryce Young–Jalen Coker pass), 1:08. Panthers 27–24. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 1:35.
ATL – Zane Gonzalez 45-yard field goal, 0:16. Tied 27–27. Drive: 6 plays, 28 yards, 0:52.

Overtime

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 28-yard field goal, 5:10. Panthers 30–27. Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:35.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 31/45, 448 yards, 3 TD
ATL – Michael Penix Jr. – 13/16, 175 yards

Top rushers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 19 rushes, 45 yards
ATL – Bijan Robinson – 23 rushes, 104 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 8 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TD
ATL – Drake London – 7 receptions, 119 yards

Carolina opened the game with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan, and Atlanta answered with a touchdown by Bijan Robinson. In the second quarter, Robinson and Tyler Allgeier each scored a touchdown for the Falcons, giving them the lead. Near the end of the half, Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a field goal for Carolina, and the Panthers entered halftime trailing 10–21. Early in the third quarter, Bryce Young threw a 36-yard touchdown to Xavier Legette, though the two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. On Atlanta’s ensuing possession, the Falcons fumbled and Carolina recovered, but the Panthers failed to convert the takeaway into points. Carolina scored a field goal on their next drive, cutting the deficit to two. Atlanta responded with a field goal by Zane Gonzalez with 2:43 remaining. McMillan then scored another touchdown for Carolina, followed by a successful two-point conversion by Jalen Coker. The Falcons tied the game at 27 with 16 seconds left, sending it to overtime. For the third time this season, Fitzgerald kicked a game-winning field goal, securing a 30–27 victory for Carolina.

With their second overtime win in Atlanta, the Panthers improved to 6–5 for the first time since 2018, and swept the Falcons for the first time since 2013 season.^[22]

One week after struggling against the Saints, Bryce Young rebounded by completing 31-of-45 passes for 448 yards and three touchdowns. His 448 passing yards set a new Panthers franchise record for the most passing yards in a game, surpassing the 432 yards thrown by Cam Newton against the Green Bay Packers on September 18, 2011.^[23]

Week 12: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	3	6	0	9
49ers	7	3	7	3	20

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Date: November 24
Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST/5:15 p.m. PST
Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
Game attendance: 71,337
Referee: Alex Kemp
TV announcers (ESPN): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

SF – Jauan Jennings 12-yard pass from Brock Purdy (Matt Gay kick), 6:17. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 8:43.

Second quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 25-yard field goal, 2:28. 49ers 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:51.
SF – Matt Gay 47-yard field goal, 1:00. 49ers 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

SF – Christian McCaffrey 12-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 4:42. 49ers 17–3. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:43.
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 29-yard pass from Bryce Young (pass failed), 0:49. 49ers 17–9. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:53.

Fourth quarter

SF – Matt Gay 29-yard field goal, 9:21. 49ers 20–9. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 6:28.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 18/29, 169 yards, TD, 2 INT
SF – Brock Purdy – 23/32, 193 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 6 rushes, 38 yards
SF – Christian McCaffrey – 24 rushes, 89 yards, TD

Top receivers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 4 receptions, 36 yards
SF – George Kittle – 6 receptions, 78 yards

The Panthers faced their former running back, Christian McCaffrey for the first time since trading him to San Francisco during the 2022 season.^[24] McCaffrey recorded 142 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, contributing to a 49ers's 20–9 victory despite quarterback Brock Purdy throwing three first-half interceptions.^[25]

Late in the game, Tre'von Moehrig struck 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin following a run play. After the game, Jennings responded by punching Moehrig in the helmet. The NFL subsequently suspended Moehrig for one game without pay, while Jennings was fined $12,172 for his actions.^[26] Carolina falls to 6–6.

Week 13: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 13: Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	7	14	0	7	28
Panthers	14	3	7	7	31

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: November 30
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Cloudy, 45 °F (7 °C)
Game attendance: 71,292
Referee: Scott Novak (with Adrian Hill's crew)
TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Drew Brees and Kristina Pink
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

LAR – Davante Adams 4-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Harrison Mevis kick), 12:10. Rams 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 2:50.
CAR – Chuba Hubbard 35-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 7:38. Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:32.
CAR – Mike Jackson 48-yard interception return (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 1:10. Panthers 14–7.

Second quarter

LAR – Davante Adams 7-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Harrison Mevis kick), 12:46. Tied 14–14. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:24.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 33-yard field goal, 5:33. Panthers 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 7:13.
LAR – Blake Corum 2-yard run (Harrison Mevis kick), 1:55. Rams 21–17. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:38.

Third quarter

CAR – Jalen Coker 33-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 8:48. Panthers 24–21. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 6:12.

Fourth quarter

LAR – Kyren Williams 7-yard run (Harrison Mevis kick), 9:58. Rams 28–24. Drive: 6 plays, 89 yards, 3:36.
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 43-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 6:34. Panthers 31–28. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:24.

Top passers

LAR – Matthew Stafford – 18/28, 243 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
CAR – Bryce Young – 15/20, 206 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

LAR – Blake Corum – 7 rushes, 81 yards, TD
CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 17 rushes, 83 yards

Top receivers

LAR – Xavier Smith – 3 receptions, 82 yards
CAR – Jalen Coker – 4 receptions, 74 yards, TD

Despite entering the game as 10-point underdogs to the Rams,^[27] the Panthers pulled off an upset win and kept their playoff hopes alive. L.A. starts the game with a Davante Adams touchdown. Carolina ties it with a Chuba Hubbard touchdown. In the Rams' next possession, Stafford throws a pass intended for Colby Parkinson in the end zone but it was intercepted by Nick Scott, ending Stafford's NFL record streak of 28 consecutive touchdown passes without an interception.^[28] It is a quick three and out for Carolina. Stafford throws it to Puka Nacua but it was intercepted by Mike Jackson for a pick six. In the beginning of the second, the Rams tie it at 14. Ryan Fitzgerald gives Carolina a three-point lead. At the end of the second quarter, the Rams take back the lead with a touchdown and go into the half with a 21–17 lead. Carolina starts the second half with a Jalen Coker touchdown. In the fourth, Kyren Williams scores a 7-yard touchdown for the Rams. Carolina takes back the lead with a Tetairoa McMillan touchdown. In the decisive moment of the fourth quarter, Derrick Brown, who had tipped the pass that led to Stafford's first interception, recorded a critical strip-sack with 2:25 remaining, helping secure Carolina's 31–28 victory. They improve to 7–6.

Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

Week 15: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	7	3	7	0	17
Saints	0	7	3	10	20

at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Date: December 14
Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
Game attendance: 70,070
Referee: Alex Moore
TV announcers (Fox): Jason Benetti, Robert Griffin III and Sarah Kustok
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Rico Dowdle 4-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 6:39. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 7:18.

Second quarter

NO – Devin Neal 4-yard run (Charlie Smyth kick), 3:32. Tied 7–7. Drive: 17 plays, 95 yards, 11:22.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 40-yard field goal, 0:21. Panthers 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:11.

Third quarter

CAR – Jalen Coker 32-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 9:54. Panthers 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 5:06.
NO – Charlie Smyth 42-yard field goal, 1:56. Panthers 17–10. Drive: 14 plays, 48 yards, 7:58.

Fourth quarter

NO – Chris Olave 12-yard pass from Tyler Shough (Charlie Smyth kick), 2:29. Tied 17–17. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 2:08.
NO – Charlie Smyth 47-yard field goal, 0:02. Saints 20–17. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 0:55.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 15/24, 163 yards, TD
NO – Tyler Shough – 24/32, 272 yards, TD

Top rushers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 16 rushes, 49 yards, TD
NO – Tyler Shough – 8 rushes, 32 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Jalen Coker – 4 receptions, 60 yards, TD
NO – Chris Olave – 6 receptions, 85 yards, TD

With the Buccaneers losing, the Panthers had a chance to pull away in the NFC South with a win against the Saints. In the first quarter, Carolina scored first on a Rico Dowdle touchdown. After an 11:22-minute drive in the second quarter, New Orleans tied the game, but the Panthers ended the quarter with a field goal to hold a three-point lead at halftime. Carolina opened the third quarter with a Jalen Coker touchdown, and the Saints responded with a Zach Wood field goal. With 2:33 remaining, New Orleans tied the contest on a Juwan Johnson touchdown and ultimately won with a game-winning 47-yard field goal. Carolina fell to 7–7.

Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	7	3	7	3	20
Panthers	3	10	7	3	23

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: December 21
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
Game attendance: 73,530
Referee: Shawn Smith
TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth and Jen Hale
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 27-yard field goal, 10:30. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:30.
TB – Mike Evans 1-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 4:01. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 6:29.

Second quarter

TB – Chase McLaughlin 23-yard field goal, 8:09. Buccaneers 10–3. Drive: 14 plays, 85 yards, 7:12.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 41-yard field goal, 2:06. Buccaneers 10–6. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:19.
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan 22-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 0:07. Panthers 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 0:59.

Third quarter

TB – Sean Tucker 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 6:41. Buccaneers 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 8:19.
CAR – Ja'Tavion Sanders 6-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 0:08. Panthers 20–17. Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 6:33.

Fourth quarter

TB – Chase McLaughlin 50-yard field goal, 11:24. Tied 20–20. Drive: 6 plays, 11 yards, 3:44.
CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 48-yard field goal, 2:20. Panthers 23–20. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 2:26.

Top passers

TB – Baker Mayfield – 18/26, 145 yards, TD, INT
CAR – Bryce Young – 21/32, 191 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

TB – Bucky Irving – 19 rushes, 71 yards
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 9 rushes, 29 yards

Top receivers

TB – Emeka Egbuka – 1 reception, 40 yards
CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 6 receptions, 73 yards, TD

In an important NFC South divisional game, Carolina scores first with a Ryan Fitzgerald field goal. Tampa Bay soon takes the lead with a Mike Evans 1-yard touchdown. The Bucs increase their lead by three in the second quarter with a field goal. In the last couple of minutes remaining in the half, the Panthers score twice with a Fitzgerald field goal and a Tetairoa McMillan 22-yard touchdown. The Panthers take back the lead heading into halftime. Tampa Bay scores in the third with a Sean Tucker touchdown. Carolina follows with a Ja'Tavion Sanders touchdown. Tampa Bay ties it in the fourth quarter, with a field goal. With 2:20 to go in the game, Carolina kicks a field goal. Baker Mayfield passed the ball intended for Evans but it was intercepted by Lathan Ransom which won the game for Carolina. The Panthers win 23–20 and improve to 8–7.

With the win, this is the first time since 2017 they have won more than seven games, and also the first time since 2022 they have beat Tampa Bay.

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 17: Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	3	0	14	10	27
Panthers	0	3	0	7	10

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: December 28
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Cloudy, 43 °F (6 °C)
Game attendance: 73,163
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt and Evan Washburn
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

SEA – Jason Myers 48-yard field goal, 3:23. Seahawks 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 5:04.

Second quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 35-yard field goal, 3:46. Tied 3–3. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:33.

Third quarter

SEA – Zach Charbonnet 2-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 8:45. Seahawks 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 3:16.
SEA – AJ Barner 17-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Jason Myers kick), 5:32. Seahawks 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards, 2:09.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Bryce Young 10-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 13:41. Seahawks 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:51.
SEA – Jason Myers 30-yard field goal, 5:33. Seahawks 20–10. Drive: 14 plays, 55 yards, 8:08.
SEA – Zach Charbonnet 1-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 2:31. Seahawks 27–10. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 1:09.

Top passers

SEA – Sam Darnold – 18/27, 147 yards, TD, INT
CAR – Bryce Young – 14/24, 54 yards

Top rushers

SEA – Zach Charbonnet – 18 rushes, 110 yards, 2 TD
CAR – Rico Dowdle – 12 rushes, 59 yards

Top receivers

SEA – Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 9 receptions, 72 yards
CAR – Jalen Coker – 2 receptions, 16 yards

After being tied at 3 going into halftime, Seattle outscored Carolina in the second half 24–7 to defeat the Panthers 27–10. With the loss, the Panthers fell to 8–8, finishing 1–3 against the NFC West and 5–3 at home. Despite the loss, the Buccaneers’ loss to the Dolphins set up an NFC South showdown in Week 18.^[29]

Week 18: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 18: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	0	7	0	7	14
Buccaneers	10	3	0	3	16

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Date: January 3
Game time: 4:30 p.m. EST
Game weather: Rain, 69 °F (21 °C)
Game attendance: 65,082
Referee: Brad Allen
TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, Louis Riddick, Katie George, and Peter Schrager
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

TB – Cade Otton 18-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 9:31. Buccaneers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 5:29.
TB – Chase McLaughlin 29-yard field goal, 1:57. Buccaneers 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:27.

Second quarter

CAR – Tommy Tremble 8-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 10:50. Buccaneers 10–7. Drive: 3 plays, 19 yards, 1:28.
TB – Chase McLaughlin 36-yard field goal, 0:02. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 40 yards, 1:49.

Third quarter

No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

TB – Chase McLaughlin 48-yard field goal, 14:12. Buccaneers 16–7. Drive: 9 plays, 39 yards, 5:18.
CAR – Jalen Coker 8-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:25. Buccaneers 16–14. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 2:45.

Top passers

CAR – Bryce Young – 24/35, 264 yards, 2 TD, INT
TB – Baker Mayfield – 16/22, 203 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

CAR – Rico Dowdle – 7 rushes, 10 yards
TB – Bucky Irving – 26 rushes, 85 yards

Top receivers

CAR – Tetairoa McMillan – 4 receptions, 83 yards
TB – Cade Otton – 7 receptions, 94 yards, TD

With the loss, the Panthers finished the regular season at 8–9, clinching their eighth consecutive losing season. Despite the loss, the Falcons' victory over the Saints the following day clinched the NFC South title for the Panthers. The Buccaneers, Panthers, and Falcons all finished the season with 8–9 records, but Carolina won the division based on head-to-head tiebreakers among the three teams. The Panthers went 3–1 in those matchups, compared to 2–2 for the Buccaneers and 1–3 for the Falcons, eliminating both teams from playoff contention.^[30]

The Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and captured the NFC South title for the first time since the 2015 season.^[31] They also became the first team in NFL history to win their division twice while finishing the regular season with a losing record.^[32] With the Los Angeles Rams defeating the Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers were scheduled to face the Rams in the Wild Card Round.^[33]

Standings

Division

NFC South
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
⁽⁴⁾ Carolina Panthers	8	9	0	.471	3–3	6–6	311	380	L2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	8	9	0	.471	3–3	6–6	380	411	W1
Atlanta Falcons	8	9	0	.471	3–3	7–5	353	401	W4
New Orleans Saints	6	11	0	.353	3–3	4–8	306	383	L1

Conference

NFC
Seed	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1	Seattle Seahawks	West	14	3	0	.824	4–2	9–3	.498	.471	W7
2^[a]	Chicago Bears	North	11	6	0	.647	2–4	7–5	.458	.406	L2
3^[a]	Philadelphia Eagles	East	11	6	0	.647	3–3	8–4	.476	.455	L1
4^[b]	Carolina Panthers	South	8	9	0	.471	3–3	6–6	.522	.463	L2
Wild cards
5^[c]	Los Angeles Rams	West	12	5	0	.706	4–2	7–5	.526	.485	W1
6^[c]	San Francisco 49ers	West	12	5	0	.706	4–2	9–3	.498	.417	L1
7	Green Bay Packers	North	9	7	1	.559	4–2	7–4–1	.483	.431	L4
Did not qualify for the postseason
8^[d]	Minnesota Vikings	North	9	8	0	.529	4–2	7–5	.514	.431	W5
9^[d]	Detroit Lions	North	9	8	0	.529	2–4	6–6	.490	.428	W1
10^[b]^[e]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	8	9	0	.471	3–3	6–6	.529	.485	W1
11^[b]^[e]	Atlanta Falcons	South	8	9	0	.471	3–3	7–5	.495	.449	W4
12	Dallas Cowboys	East	7	9	1	.441	4–2	4–7–1	.438	.311	L1
13	New Orleans Saints	South	6	11	0	.353	3–3	4–8	.495	.333	L1
14	Washington Commanders	East	5	12	0	.294	3–3	3–9	.507	.388	W1
15	New York Giants	East	4	13	0	.235	2–4	2–10	.524	.478	W2
16	Arizona Cardinals	West	3	14	0	.176	0–6	3–9	.571	.422	L9

Postseason

Schedule

Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	Sources
Wild Card	January 10	Los Angeles Rams (5)	L 31–34	0–1	Bank of America Stadium	Recap

Game summaries

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: vs. (5) Los Angeles Rams

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: (5) Los Angeles Rams at (4) Carolina Panthers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	7	10	3	14	34
Panthers	0	14	3	14	31

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: January 10, 2026
Game time: 4:35 p.m. EST
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 72 °F (22 °C)
Game attendance: 73,426
Referee: Clete Blakeman
TV announcers (Fox): Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver, and Kristina Pink
Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter

LAR – Puka Nacua 14-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Harrison Mevis kick), 11:35. Rams 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:51.

Second quarter

LAR – Puka Nacua 5-yard run (Harrison Mevis kick), 12:16. Rams 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 4:01.
CAR – Chuba Hubbard 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 8:53. Rams 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:23.
LAR – Harrison Mevis 46-yard field goal, 5:24. Rams 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 3:29.
CAR – Bryce Young 16-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 0:37. Rams 17–14. Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 0:54.

Third quarter

CAR – Ryan Fitzgerald 46-yard field goal, 7:29. Tied 17–17. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 7:08.
LAR – Harrison Mevis 42-yard field goal, 4:17. Rams 20–17. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 3:12.

Fourth quarter

CAR – Chuba Hubbard 3-yard run (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 14:34. Panthers 24–20. Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:40.
LAR – Kyren Williams 13-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Harrison Mevis kick), 8:47. Rams 27–24. Drive: 11 plays, 67 yards, 5:47.
CAR – Jalen Coker 7-yard pass from Bryce Young (Ryan Fitzgerald kick), 2:39. Panthers 31–27. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:33.
LAR – Colby Parkinson 19-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Harrison Mevis kick), 0:38. Rams 34–31. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:01.

Top passers

LAR – Matthew Stafford – 24/42, 304 yards, 3 TD, INT
CAR – Bryce Young – 21/39, 264 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

LAR – Kyren Williams – 13 rushes, 57 yards
CAR – Chuba Hubbard – 13 rushes, 46 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

LAR – Puka Nacua – 10 receptions, 111 yards, TD
CAR – Jalen Coker – 9 receptions, 134 yards, TD

It was a rough start for Carolina, but they managed to go into halftime down only 14–17. In the third quarter, Carolina tied it with a field goal. LA reclaimed the lead with a field goal. In Carolina’s next possession they turned the ball over on the fourth down. Cornerback Mike Jackson intercepted a Matthew Stafford pass, and Carolina scored with a Chuba Hubbard touchdown, taking the lead. L.A. took it back with a Kyren Williams touchdown. Jalen Coker scored for Carolina. With 38 seconds to go LA answered with a touchdown. The Rams won 34–31, ending the Panthers' season. This marked the Panthers first playoff loss at home since 2013.

Notes

^ ^a ^b Chicago finished ahead of Philadelphia based on head-to-head victory.
^ ^a ^b ^c Carolina finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Atlanta based on head-to-head record (Carolina 3–1 to Tampa Bay 2–2 and Atlanta 1–3).
^ ^a ^b LA Rams finished ahead of San Francisco based on common games (LA Rams 9–3 to San Francisco 8–4 against: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Tennessee).
^ ^a ^b Minnesota finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head sweep.
^ ^a ^b Tampa Bay finished ahead of Atlanta based on common games (Tampa Bay 6–6 to Atlanta 5–7 against: Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, LA Rams, Miami, New England, New Orleans, NY Jets, San Francisco and Seattle).

References

^ "Panthers 31-28 Rams (Nov 30, 2025) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
^ Gantt, Darin (February 24, 2025). "Shaq Thompson to enter free agency". Panthers.com. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
^ McDaniel, Mike (March 10, 2023). "Bears Trade No. 1 Pick in 2023 NFL Draft to Panthers, per Reports". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
^ Gantt, Darin (April 25, 2025). "Panthers swap four picks with Broncos". Retrieved April 26, 2025.
^ Jackson, Stu (April 26, 2024). "Rams trade 52nd pick to Panthers". therams.com. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
^ Mehta, Nikhil (April 25, 2025). "Panthers Acquire 77th Pick From Patriots, Select Princely Umanmielen". Retrieved April 26, 2025.
^ Hill, Kassidy (November 5, 2024). "Panthers trade Jonathan Mingo to Dallas". panthers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
^ Edholm, Eric (March 11, 2024). "Giants to trade for Panthers' Brian Burns, agree to five-year, $150M deal with LB". NFL.com.
^ Brown, Clifton (October 29, 2024). "Ravens to Trade for Panthers Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
^ Gantt, Darin (August 29, 2023). "Wide receiver acquired in trade with Chiefs". panthers.com. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
^ "49ers Announce Trade for Kicker Zane Gonzalez". 49ers.com. March 24, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
^ Urban, Darren (October 17, 2022). "With Offense Struggling, Cardinals Trade For Wide Receiver Robbie Anderson". Arizona Cardinals.
^ Hill, Kassidy (May 8, 2025). "Panthers sign 6 draft picks, 19 undrafted free agents ahead of rookie minicamp". panthers.com.
^ Smits, Garry (September 7, 2025). "Jacksonville Jaguars weather delay: Game resumes at 3:10 p.m. with Jags leading Panthers 10-3". Jacksonville.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2025. Retrieved October 11, 2025.
^ "Calais Campbell's sack with 26 seconds left secures Cardinals' 27-22 win after Carolina comeback try". ESPN. Associated Press. September 14, 2025. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
^ "Bryce Young, Rico Dowdle help Panthers rally from 17 points down to beat Dolphins 27-24". ESPN. Associated Press. October 5, 2025. Archived from the original on October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
^ ^a ^b "Dowdle has 239 yards from scrimmage vs. former team as Panthers beat Cowboys on FG as time expires". ESPN. Associated Press. October 12, 2025. Archived from the original on October 14, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
^ Antunes, Yago (October 12, 2025). "Panthers' Rico Dowdle achieves feat not seen in 11 years in Cowboys upset". clutchpoints.com. Retrieved October 12, 2025.
^ "Panthers beat Jets 13-6 for third straight win, but Bryce Young leaves with injured ankle". ESPN. Associated Press. October 19, 2025. Archived from the original on October 21, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
^ Newton, David (October 20, 2025). "Source: Panthers' Young has high ankle sprain, likely out this week". ESPN. Archived from the original on October 21, 2025.
^ Puente, Nathaniel (November 2, 2025). "Panthers pull off second-largest upset in franchise history with Packers win". WCNC Charlotte. Archived from the original on November 4, 2025. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
^ "Panthers stun Falcons after OT win, first season sweep since 2013". Queen City News. November 16, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
^ Gantt, Darin (November 17, 2025). "Bryce Young breaks Cam Newton's single-game passing record, among others". Carolina Panthers. Archived from the original on November 18, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
^ Fowler, Scott (November 21, 2025). "Christian McCaffrey has one big regret about his trade from Panthers to 49ers". Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
^ "Christian McCaffrey's big night leads 49ers to 20-9 victory over Panthers". ESPN. Associated Press. November 25, 2025. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
^ Maiocco, Matt (November 29, 2025). "NFL fines 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings for scuffle with Tre'von Moehrig". NBC Sports Bay Area. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
^ "Rams vs. Panthers 2025 Prediction, Odds, Picks - Nov 30". Fox Sports. November 30, 2025. Archived from the original on December 4, 2025.
^ Reed, Steve (November 30, 2025). "Matthew Stafford sets record for most TD passes without an interception, then throws 2 interceptions and fumbles in Rams 31-28 loss to Panthers". NBC Los Angeles. Archived from the original on December 4, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
^ Newton, David (December 28, 2025). "After loss, Panthers take solace in facing Bucs for NFC South". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 7, 2026. Retrieved January 7, 2026.
^ Fowler, Scott (January 5, 2026). "Yes, the Carolina Panthers are in the NFL playoffs. Here's what happens next". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on January 17, 2026. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
^ Kownack, Bobby (January 4, 2026). "Panthers clinch NFC South thanks to Falcons' win over Saints". NFL. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
^ Mozarsky, Jake (January 4, 2026). "NFL teams to make playoffs with losing record: How Panthers joined short list in 2026". The Sporting News. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
^ Gantt, Darin (January 4, 2026). "Panthers will face the Rams in next weekend's wild card game". Carolina Panthers. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.

External links

Official website

[Bears-4] The Panthers traded a second-round selection, 2023 first- and second-round selections (9th and 61st overall), a 2024 first-round selection (1st overall) and WR D. J. Moore to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 first-round selection (1st overall).^[3]

[Broncos-6] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h The Panthers traded a 2nd round selection (57th overall), a 3rd round selection (74th overall), a fourth round selection (111th overall) and a seventh-round selection (230th overall) to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a second round selection (51st overall), a third round selection (85th overall), a fourth round selection (122nd overall), and a sixth-round selection (208th overall).^[4]

[Rams-8] The Panthers traded a 2024 second-round selection (39th overall) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a second-round selection, and 2024 second- and fifth-round selections (52nd and 155th overall).^[5]

[Patriots-10] The Panthers traded a 3rd round pick (85th overall) and a fifth round selection (146th overall) to the Patriots for a third round selection (77th overall).^[6]

[Cowboys-12] The Panthers traded a seventh-round selection and WR Jonathan Mingo to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round selection (114th overall).^[7]

[Giants-14] The Panthers traded a 2024 fifth-round selection and LB Brian Burns to the New York Giants in exchange for a conditional fifth-round selection (140th overall), and 2024 second- and fifth-round selections.^[8]

[Ravens-16] The Panthers traded a sixth-round selection and WR Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fifth-round selection.^[9]

[Chiefs-18] The Panthers traded a conditional seventh-round selection to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection and WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette.^[10]

[49ers-20] The Panthers traded a conditional seventh-round selection and K Zane Gonzalez to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection.^[11]

[Cardinals-22] The Panthers traded WR Robbie Chosen to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round selection and a 2024 sixth-round selection.^[12]

[11-6-44] Chicago finished ahead of Philadelphia based on head-to-head victory.

[8-9a-45] Carolina finished ahead of Tampa Bay and Atlanta based on head-to-head record (Carolina 3–1 to Tampa Bay 2–2 and Atlanta 1–3).

[12-5-46] LA Rams finished ahead of San Francisco based on common games (LA Rams 9–3 to San Francisco 8–4 against: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Tennessee).

[8-9c-47] Minnesota finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head sweep.

[8-9b-48] Tampa Bay finished ahead of Atlanta based on common games (Tampa Bay 6–6 to Atlanta 5–7 against: Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, LA Rams, Miami, New England, New Orleans, NY Jets, San Francisco and Seattle).

[1] "Panthers 31-28 Rams (Nov 30, 2025) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved December 26, 2025.

[2] Gantt, Darin (February 24, 2025). "Shaq Thompson to enter free agency". Panthers.com. Retrieved August 14, 2025.

[3] McDaniel, Mike (March 10, 2023). "Bears Trade No. 1 Pick in 2023 NFL Draft to Panthers, per Reports". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 18, 2023.

[5] Gantt, Darin (April 25, 2025). "Panthers swap four picks with Broncos". Retrieved April 26, 2025.

[7] Jackson, Stu (April 26, 2024). "Rams trade 52nd pick to Panthers". therams.com. Retrieved April 27, 2024.

[9] Mehta, Nikhil (April 25, 2025). "Panthers Acquire 77th Pick From Patriots, Select Princely Umanmielen". Retrieved April 26, 2025.

[11] Hill, Kassidy (November 5, 2024). "Panthers trade Jonathan Mingo to Dallas". panthers.com. Retrieved November 5, 2024.

[13] Edholm, Eric (March 11, 2024). "Giants to trade for Panthers' Brian Burns, agree to five-year, $150M deal with LB". NFL.com.

[15] Brown, Clifton (October 29, 2024). "Ravens to Trade for Panthers Wide Receiver Diontae Johnson". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved October 29, 2024.

[17] Gantt, Darin (August 29, 2023). "Wide receiver acquired in trade with Chiefs". panthers.com. Retrieved August 14, 2024.

[19] "49ers Announce Trade for Kicker Zane Gonzalez". 49ers.com. March 24, 2023. Retrieved August 14, 2024.

[21] Urban, Darren (October 17, 2022). "With Offense Struggling, Cardinals Trade For Wide Receiver Robbie Anderson". Arizona Cardinals.

[udfa-23] Hill, Kassidy (May 8, 2025). "Panthers sign 6 draft picks, 19 undrafted free agents ahead of rookie minicamp". panthers.com.

[24] Smits, Garry (September 7, 2025). "Jacksonville Jaguars weather delay: Game resumes at 3:10 p.m. with Jags leading Panthers 10-3". Jacksonville.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2025. Retrieved October 11, 2025.

[25] "Calais Campbell's sack with 26 seconds left secures Cardinals' 27-22 win after Carolina comeback try". ESPN. Associated Press. September 14, 2025. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved October 16, 2025.

[26] "Bryce Young, Rico Dowdle help Panthers rally from 17 points down to beat Dolphins 27-24". ESPN. Associated Press. October 5, 2025. Archived from the original on October 7, 2025. Retrieved October 7, 2025.

[ESPNPanthersCowboys-27] "Dowdle has 239 yards from scrimmage vs. former team as Panthers beat Cowboys on FG as time expires". ESPN. Associated Press. October 12, 2025. Archived from the original on October 14, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.

[28] Antunes, Yago (October 12, 2025). "Panthers' Rico Dowdle achieves feat not seen in 11 years in Cowboys upset". clutchpoints.com. Retrieved October 12, 2025.

[29] "Panthers beat Jets 13-6 for third straight win, but Bryce Young leaves with injured ankle". ESPN. Associated Press. October 19, 2025. Archived from the original on October 21, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.

[30] Newton, David (October 20, 2025). "Source: Panthers' Young has high ankle sprain, likely out this week". ESPN. Archived from the original on October 21, 2025.

[31] Puente, Nathaniel (November 2, 2025). "Panthers pull off second-largest upset in franchise history with Packers win". WCNC Charlotte. Archived from the original on November 4, 2025. Retrieved November 4, 2025.

[32] "Panthers stun Falcons after OT win, first season sweep since 2013". Queen City News. November 16, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.

[33] Gantt, Darin (November 17, 2025). "Bryce Young breaks Cam Newton's single-game passing record, among others". Carolina Panthers. Archived from the original on November 18, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.

[34] Fowler, Scott (November 21, 2025). "Christian McCaffrey has one big regret about his trade from Panthers to 49ers". Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.

[35] "Christian McCaffrey's big night leads 49ers to 20-9 victory over Panthers". ESPN. Associated Press. November 25, 2025. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.

[36] Maiocco, Matt (November 29, 2025). "NFL fines 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings for scuffle with Tre'von Moehrig". NBC Sports Bay Area. Archived from the original on December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.

[37] "Rams vs. Panthers 2025 Prediction, Odds, Picks - Nov 30". Fox Sports. November 30, 2025. Archived from the original on December 4, 2025.

[38] Reed, Steve (November 30, 2025). "Matthew Stafford sets record for most TD passes without an interception, then throws 2 interceptions and fumbles in Rams 31-28 loss to Panthers". NBC Los Angeles. Archived from the original on December 4, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.

[39] Newton, David (December 28, 2025). "After loss, Panthers take solace in facing Bucs for NFC South". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 7, 2026. Retrieved January 7, 2026.

[40] Fowler, Scott (January 5, 2026). "Yes, the Carolina Panthers are in the NFL playoffs. Here's what happens next". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on January 17, 2026. Retrieved January 17, 2026.

[41] Kownack, Bobby (January 4, 2026). "Panthers clinch NFC South thanks to Falcons' win over Saints". NFL. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.

[42] Mozarsky, Jake (January 4, 2026). "NFL teams to make playoffs with losing record: How Panthers joined short list in 2026". The Sporting News. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.

[43] Gantt, Darin (January 4, 2026). "Panthers will face the Rams in next weekend's wild card game". Carolina Panthers. Archived from the original on January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 23, 2026.

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