For one, letting a top young talent walk for nothing in free agency is probably a bad idea. This Panthers season is also a reminder of the role that variance plays in W-L records, Bill Barnwell writes. Lessons from 2016
There's a chance -- a small one, but there's a chance -- the Panthers can sneak into the playoffs. The kicker to the chain of events that must happen: The Redskins have to lose once and tie once in their final two games. According to FPI, the chances of everything falling the Panthers' way are 0.0004 percent.
So you're saying there's a chance? The 5-8 Panthers can make the playoffs but would need to win out and get ... ahem ... just a little bit of help.
Washington's chances to remain a viable part of the playoff race will hinge on them taking out struggling Carolina on Monday night. But a poor Washington passing defense must handle Cam Newton.
Cousins' ability to improvise has Washington on the cusp of the NFC playoff picture. Here's how. Watch Panthers-Redskins on ESPN or stream live on a computer, tablet or TV-connected device.
Josh Norman has looked forward to playing Carolina for a long time -- not to get revenge, but because of the bond he still has with former teammates.
Now that the defending NFC Champions were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday, they should consider shutting down Luke Kuechly for the season.
With Green Bay's win against Chicago and Atlanta finishing off San Francisco in the fourth quarter the Panthers (5-8) are out of playoff contention. Not that they really were in it, entering the day with a one-percent chance.
A decision on whether Luke Kuechly plays against the Redskins might not be made until Monday, when the overall playoff picture is clearer.
Tight ends with the most favorable matchups in fantasy football in Week 15 (0-100 scale, with 100 being most favorable): Jordan Reed (100), Charles Clay (100), Greg Olsen (85), Ladarius Green (85), Clive Walford (85)
Where does the betting value lie in the Monday night matchup between Carolina and Washington? Our experts provide their picks for the spread, total and prop bets.
Cam Newton (shoulder) had been limited but is good to go for Monday, and Luke Kuechly also has a chance to return after a three-game absence.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has been cleared to play in Monday night's game against the Washington Redskins after passing the final test of the concussion protocol.
Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has passed the concussion protocol's final test but still is listed as questionable for Monday night's game at Washington after missing the last three games. "We are excited to have Luke healthy and cleared from the protocol," coach Ron Rivera told the team's website. "I know he is extremely motivated to get back on the field and help us win games. Whether he plays this week or not, I don't know. We have to balance our enthusiasm with what's best for Luke and the team long term."
Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring) and OT Daryl Williams (ankle) have been ruled out for Monday's game at Washington.
Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion) practiced full again on Saturday and will start Monday night's game at Washington if he passes the final test of the concussion protocol. Kuechly was on target last week to play, but did not pass the final test.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) was listed as questionable for Monday night's game at Washington on Saturday's injury report, but coach Ron Rivera said NFL MVP is expected to start. He practiced full on Saturday.
Carolina's second all-time sack leader, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, hopes to get back on the field for the Panthers this season and beyond.
Our Panthers and Redskins reporters are split on whether Washington QB Kirk Cousins will be able to handle an improved Carolina pass rush. ESPN's FPI says take the Redskins, with north of 60 percent winning odds. Week 15 predictions (Insider)
The Panthers' QB is kept on a "pitch count" on Friday; Luke Kuechly practices in full again but must pass a final concussion test.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera was glad to hear Washington cornerback Josh Norman, because of the regiment he learned at Carolina, still wears a coat and tie on road trips even though he doesn't have. "But he's a fashion icon too,'' said Rivera, who has arguably the league's top fashion icon in Cam Newton. "Remember, he used to wear the bow ties? He looked really good in bow ties, too. Josh is a sharp young man. He's solid.''
Josh Norman has been doing less “traveling” this year with the Redskins when compared to 2015 with the Panthers. Norman has one INT returned for one yard this season after having four picks – two of them returned for TDs – last season. (ESPN Stats & Info)
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said DE Charles Johnson has played well this season when asked about Johnson's future with the team. "We'll see how it goes but I would love to have him back."
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said WR Kelvin Benjamin (back) looked better today and MLB Luke Kuechly remains in the concussion protocol but practiced full for the third straight day.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Cam Newton (shoulder) looked "pretty good" today. Had him on a pitch count, so to speak.
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 9 | 5 | 0 | .643 | 469 | 358 |
| Tampa Bay | 8 | 6 | 0 | .571 | 313 | 322 |
| New Orleans | 6 | 8 | 0 | .429 | 406 | 392 |
| Carolina | 5 | 8 | 0 | .385 | 311 | 337 |
| NAME | POS | TYPE | PREV. TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Abdul-Quddus | S | UFA | DET |
| S. Acho | LB | UFA | CHI |
| J. Adams | OT | UFA | HOU |
| J. Addae | S | RFA | SD |
| D. Aiken | LS | UFA | NYG |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(30) | Vernon Butler | DT | Louisiana Tech |
| 2(31) | James Bradberry | CB | Samford |
| 3(14) | Daryl Worley | CB | West Virginia |
| 5(2) | Zack Sanchez | CB | Oklahoma |
| 7(31) | Beau Sandland | TE | Montana State |
