The Panthers and Buccaneers could face off for the NFC South division title in Week 18, pending the result of Atlanta’s game.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The topsy-turvyΒ Carolina PanthersΒ season continued with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks at home on Sunday, potentially setting up an NFC South title showdown in Week 18.
Carolina (8-8) and Seattle (13-3) combined for four turnovers in the game. Both of the Panthers’ turnovers happened in the second half. A pair of failed fourth downs for Carolina didn’t help matters in the fourth quarter, leading to a 27-10 Seattle win.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns.Β
Seattle’s Sam Darnold had the edge in the passing game, completing 18 of 27 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 14 of 24 passes for a paltry 54 yards passing with one interception. Young ran in for a score in the fourth quarter.
The game’s first touchdown came about seven minutes into the second half. Carolina and Seattle were tied 3-3 at halftime.Β
All three of Seattle’s touchdown drives were fewer than 30 yards. Panthers’ turnovers set up the first two Seattle touchdown drives. The third was the result of a failed Carolina fourth down.
The Panthers converted only one of their 11 third-down attempts.Β
Carolina’s loss could set up a de facto NFC South Championship Game in Week 18 between the Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9). The game’s time slot has not been announced.Β
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The game will likely be a “winner-take-all” scenario, unless the Falcons (6-9) beat the Rams (11-4) in Week 17 and the Saints (6-10) in Week 18. In that case, Carolina would win the division regardless of their Week 18 result due to them owning the three-team tiebreaker.
The Buccaneers have lost eight of their last 10 games, including an active four-game losing streak, after starting 5-1.
The Panthers are hoping to end a pair of active streaks of ineptitude in the Week 18 contest. The Panthers have endured seven straight losing seasons and have the second-longest active playoff drought in the league.
Seattle’s win allows them to clinch the NFC West if the 49ers and Rams lose in their respective Week 17 contests.