The Panthers have suffered about as much misfortune as any team in the NFL this season. They’ve lost their starting quarterback and their top defensive lineman for the year to the injured reserve list. On the field, their offense can’t pass the ball effectively and their defense can’t stop the run.
And yet, they have a winning record and are still very much alive in the NFC playoff race, even if they’re on the outside looking in right now.
Here’s a review of where things stand in the conference going into Week 10.
Playoff teams
1. San Francisco 49ers (8-0)
2. New Orleans Saints (7-1)
3. Green Bay Packers (7-2)
4. Seattle Seahawks (7-2)
5. Minnesota Vikings (6-3)
6. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)
Still in the race
7. Los Angeles Rams (5-3)
8. Carolina Panthers (5-3)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4)
Losing to the Rams Week 1 was obviously a big blow for Carolina as far as tie-breakers go.
Catching up on the Saints is probably unrealistic at this point, so they need to beat teams like the Packers (Sunday) and the Seahawks (Week 15) going down the stretch if they’re going to earn a wild card spot.
