Meanwhile in the NFC, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are floundering, the Detroit Lions might not even make the postseason and there's also no clear team-to-beat in their place, with only a single game separating the one seed and the seventh seed.

A former Panthers pass rusher, who spent all but four days of his NFL career in Carolina, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

McMillan reflected on his journey to the Panthers, noting the significance of pre-draft workouts with fellow player Bryce and the little signs that pointed to his eventual place with the team.

Carolina has also forced more turnovers (1.3 per game, 10th in 2025 vs. 1.0 per game in 2024, tied for 19th), and given up less drastically less rushing yards per contest in 2025 (118.7 YPG, 18th in the NFL vs 179.

For the first time in his pro career, Panthers QB Bryce Young will be playing meaningful December football. He spoke about it on Wednesday.