Charlotte, North Carolina, January 5, 2026
The Carolina Panthers have secured a home playoff game at Bank of America Stadium for the first time since 2015, following their clinch of the NFC South title. Despite finishing the regular season with an 8-9 record, the Panthers emerged victorious in a tiebreaker, showcasing their resilience and determination. They will face the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round, marking a highly anticipated return to postseason action for both the team and their fans.
Charlotte, North Carolina –
Carolina Panthers Secure Home Playoff Game, Clinch NFC South Title
The Carolina Panthers are set to host a home playoff game for the first time since 2015, following their dramatic clinch of the NFC South title. The team will face the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET.
A Historic Win and Division Crown
The Panthers secured their spot in the postseason and the opportunity to host a playoff game after a series of events culminated in their favor during the final weekend of the regular season. Despite a Week 18 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers clinched the NFC South title thanks to an Atlanta Falcons victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
This outcome resulted in a three-way tie for the division lead among Carolina, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay. The Panthers emerged victorious from this tiebreaker scenario due to their superior divisional record (3-1 head-to-head against Atlanta and Tampa Bay). This marks a significant achievement for the franchise, as it is their first NFC South crown in a decade.
Finishing the regular season with an 8-9 record, the Carolina Panthers became the fifth team in NFL history, and the first to achieve it twice, to win a division title with a losing record.
Return to Postseason Home Field
The upcoming Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium signifies a long-awaited return to home playoff action for the Panthers, ending an eight-year drought since their last home playoff appearance in 2015. The team’s successful clinch of the No. 4 seed in the NFC guarantees them the home-field advantage for this crucial opening round.
The Panthers and Rams previously met during Week 13 of the regular season on November 30, 2025, where Carolina emerged with a 31-28 upset victory at home. This prior encounter adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming playoff rematch.
Community Anticipation Builds
The city of Charlotte and the broader fanbase are anticipating the playoff atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium. The opportunity to host a postseason game is a boost for the team and its supporters, who have shown resilience throughout the season. The upcoming game represents a chance for the Panthers to advance further in the NFL playoffs and continue their unexpected run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When will the Carolina Panthers host their home playoff game?
- The Carolina Panthers will host their home playoff game on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
- Where will the Carolina Panthers’ home playoff game be played?
- The Carolina Panthers’ home playoff game will be played at Bank of America Stadium.
- Who will the Carolina Panthers play in the Wild Card round?
- The Carolina Panthers will play the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
- When was the last time the Carolina Panthers hosted a home playoff game?
- The last time the Carolina Panthers hosted a home playoff game was in 2015.
- How did the Carolina Panthers clinch the NFC South title?
- The Carolina Panthers clinched the NFC South title due to an Atlanta Falcons victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, January 4, 2026, which created a three-way tie in the division, with the Panthers winning the tiebreaker based on their divisional record (3-1 head-to-head against Atlanta and Tampa Bay).
- What was the Carolina Panthers’ regular season record?
- The Carolina Panthers finished the regular season with an 8-9 record.
Key Features of the Carolina Panthers Playoff Game
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | NFL Wild Card Playoff Game | Nationwide |
| Hosting Team | Carolina Panthers | State-level |
| Opponent | Los Angeles Rams | Nationwide |
| Date | Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Kickoff Time | 4:30 p.m. ET | Nationwide |
| Venue | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina | State-level |
| Significance | First home playoff game since 2015 | State-level |
| Division Title | NFC South Champions | Nationwide |
| Regular Season Record | 8-9 (clinched division with losing record) | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
