The scenario is simple: if the Panthers win in New Orleans or the Atlanta Falcons somehow lose to the St. Louis Rams than Carolina wins the NFC South and gets a first round bye.But how important is that?
The past three teams to win the Super Bowl didn't have a bye. The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers and 2007 New York Giants won three road playoff games and the Super Bowl. The 2006 Indianapolis Colts had to get through three playoff games before beating the Bears in the Super Bowl.
Since 2000, only four Super Bowl Champions have gotten a first round bye. Three of those teams were the No. 2 seed in their conference (a Panthers NFC South title gives them the No. 2 seed). Only the 2003 New England Patriots have won a Super Bowl as a No. 1 seed this decade.
Carolina's only Super Bowl appearance came after not getting a bye.
Still, getting that bye should be huge for the Panthers. The have loads of injuries in the defense right now and would love to have that extra week to help recover. It would also mean that the Panthers would play at least their first playoff game in Charlotte and with a win would host anyone but the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game.
Carolina was a perfect 8-0 at home this year.
If they didn't get the bye, they would drop to the No. 5 seed and would most likely play the NFC West Champion Arizona Cardinals. While Carolina beat Arizona earlier this year, that game was in Charlotte and the Cards are a much better team when playing at home. Win that game and the Panthers would play at New York or Atlanta -- places they've lost already this year.
