Panthers to host playoff game after nearly a decade
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Playoff football is coming back to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Why it matters: The Carolina Panthers haven't made the NFL playoffs since the 2017 season, and they haven't hosted a playoff game in nearly a decade. This also marks team owner David Tepper's first trip to the playoffs since he bought the team in July 2018.
Catch up quick: The Panthers squeezed into the playoffs with help from the Atlanta Falcons, who beat the New Orleans Saints 19-17 on Sunday. A Falcons win was enough to send the Panthers to the postseason.
- The Panthers (8-9) lost to NFC South opponent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) Saturday, 16-14.
Flashback: The last time the Panthers hosted a playoff game, it was no ordinary playoff game. The Bank was packed for the NFC championship game on Jan. 24, 2016. The Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals 49-15 and punched their ticket to the Super Bowl.
- It was the era of Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and several other familiar faces, nearly all of whom are long gone.
What's next: The Panthers will host the Los Angeles Rams at 4:30pm on Saturday, Jan. 10.
What we're watching: Saturday's game will be a test for quarterback Bryce Young, who has never played in the NFL postseason, and head coach Dave Canales, who has been to the playoffs before as an assistant with other NFL teams.
Zoom in: This is the seventh overall division title for the Panthers, who won the NFC West in 1996 and have won the NFC South six times.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include details about the upcoming playoff game.