Carolina Panthers Playoff Chances Remain Alive

Despite a season of disappointments, the Carolina Panthers still have a prayer of making the playoffs. The Panthers will travel to New Orleans this weekend to take on the New Orleans Saints. In a game of do-or-die, the Panthers can clinch a wildcard spot to the playoffs with a win – and assuming a few other games go their way.

The other news is that Jake Delhomme has been upgraded to probable for this weekend’s game after missing the last three to a thumb injury. The challenge for the Panthers is to overcome their NFL’s worst third-down conversion rate. The Panthers seemed to find a solution last weekend, snapping the ball directly to DeAngelo Williams who would then run the ball. The tactic worked seven times in eight attempts. When asked if the Panthers might try the same thing this weekend, Jake Delhomme said, Hey, this week if we can run the ball 50-something times and throw it seven and come out with a win, I promise I’ll be the one with the biggest smile in the locker room.”

But here is what has to happen in order for the Carolina Panthers to go to the playoffs.

Washington must beat the New York Giants on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Carolina must beat New Orleans on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Chicago must beat Green Bay on Sunday at 8:15 p.m