For the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers are NFC South champions. The title was officially secured Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-17, a result that broke a three-way tie and vaulted the 8-9 Panthers to the top of the division.

The achievement marks a historic turnaround for a franchise that finished with the league's worst record just two seasons ago. Leading the charge is quarterback Bryce Young, who has silenced critics by becoming the league's most prolific closer.

Since entering the league, Young has authored 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime—the most of any quarterback in that span. His 11th such drive came in a season-defining 31-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 30, where he threw two fourth-down touchdowns in the second half.

"I just trust my guys; there's no big conversation, no big hoo-rah," Young said of his late-game poise. "It’s a competitive league. There’s going to be ups and downs, but I know my guys... No matter what, I’ll always have confidence in them."

That confidence has trickled down to a roster that has embraced head coach Dave Canales’ "complementary football" philosophy. In that pivotal November win against the Rams, the defense recorded two interceptions—including a Mike Jackson pick-six—and a game-sealing strip-sack by Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

The Panthers’ last division title came in 2015, a legendary 15-1 campaign that culminated in a trip to Super Bowl 50. Since then, the franchise has undergone ownership changes and coaching carousels, making this return to the postseason particularly sweet for the Charlotte faithful.

Coach Canales expressed his excitement for the atmosphere awaiting the team at Bank of America Stadium. "The energy that’s been there at the end of our season... I know what type of an advantage that can be for us," Canales said. "It all starts off with winning the division first, and we were able to be in that position to get that done."

Former Panthers legends have also noted the significance of the moment. Linebacker Thomas Davis, a pillar of the 2015 team, said thinking about the upcoming home playoff game gives him "chills" as he recalls the electric environment of past championship runs.

The Panthers will not have to wait long to see if they can replicate their regular-season success. They are set to host the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Rams in a Wild Card rematch.

• Matchup: Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers
• Date: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX

While the Panthers finished the season with a sub-.500 record, the team remains undeterred. Canales noted that the familiarity with the Rams provides a level of confidence, allowing the team to correct past mistakes while leaning on the home-field advantage that has defined the final stretch of their season.