The Carolina Panthers became the first team to win two division titles with a losing record
In short: In a statistical anomaly, the 2025 Carolina Panthers secured an NFC South title despite a losing season. After years of struggle, the team defied expectations through high-stakes upsets and historic individual performances, proving that even a sub-.500 record can lead to postseason glory.
The 2025 season marked a dramatic pivot for the Carolina Panthers, their 31st in the NFL. Under the leadership of head coach and general manager Dave Canales and Dan Morgan, the team achieved a .471 winning percentage, their best since 2017. This performance propelled them to their first playoff appearance since 2017 and their first NFC South division title since 2015.
Unlikely wins characterised the campaign, particularly a 31–28 shock victory over the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams during Week 13. This victory was bolstered by a record-breaking performance from quarterback Bryce Young, who threw for 448 yards against the New Orleans Saints, surpassing Cam Newton's 2011 franchise record of 432 yards. Additionally, rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite these successes, the Panthers' season ended in a statistical rarity. By losing their final two games, including a Week 18 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they finished with a losing record. They joined the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, 2014 Panthers, 2020 Washington Football Team, and 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the fifth NFL side to secure a division title despite a losing record. Remarkably, Carolina became the first franchise to win two division titles while maintaining a losing record.
The team's home presence remained strong, drawing an average attendance of 72,311, ranking 8th highest in the league.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2025 Carolina Panthers season
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