This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi as NFL Week 17 picks spell doom for Carolina Panthers' playoff hopes. The Carolina Panthers can clinch the NFC South this weekend. They need a few things to happen, but if those things do, they'll be division champs for the first time since they went to the Super Bowl.

Seattle’s defense again doing what it has all season also would set up a showdown next week at San Francisco for the NFC West title.

According to head coach Dave Canalaes, starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is expected to return to the lineup here in Week 17. Ekwonu, who missed last weekend's massive win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a knee injury, was a full participant in practice throughout the week and has been listed without a game designation.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi as NFL analyst names the Carolina Panthers' fatal flaw for potential playoff run. If you've ever watched the Carolina Panthers this year, you've probably noticed one thing. The defense is pretty solid, but they have a tendency to bend without breaking.

The Panthers returned to practice on Wednesday. The Charlotte Observer was there to get the latest news, notes and more before Christmas.

A new poll of high-ranking NFL execs shows that Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan is the clear favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

With the No. 8 overall pick, the Panthers selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and he has already transformed the offense in his first season in the league. NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks graded the first-round picks and gave McMillan an "A" for his efforts.