PFF's NFL Week 18 Team of the Week has been unveiled, featuring standout players recognized for their remarkable performances based on grades and snap counts. The list includes notable names such as Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots, who excelled in his first career start, and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, who closed the season with a spectacular rushing game.

On the defensive side, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys shone brightly, showcasing his skills with an impressive grade and multiple sacks. The Carolina Panthers offensive line also received accolades for their performance, contributing significantly to their success in the final game of the season.

The Carolina Panthers will head into Week 18 without their standout cornerback, Jaycee Horn, who has been ruled out due to a hip injury. Horn, the only Panthers player selected for the Pro Bowl this season, did not participate in practice throughout the week and also missed the previous game. Despite his absence, Horn's impressive 2024 season included 68 combined tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, and 1 interception, marking a significant milestone in his career.

With Horn sidelined, the Panthers will likely rely on cornerbacks Michael Jackson and Caleb Farley during their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on January 5. The Panthers have also listed four other players as inactive for the game, including linebackers Amare Barno, DJ Johnson, and Josey Jewell, along with cornerback Lonnie Johnson. Notably, Jewell has been a key player for the Panthers, starting 12 games and recording 97 combined tackles this season.

As the Panthers prepare for the crucial game against the Falcons, they face additional injury concerns. Offensive tackle Robert Hunt is questionable due to a knee injury, while fellow offensive tackle Taylor Moton and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson are also uncertain after limited participation in practice. However, running back Miles Sanders has returned to full practice and is also listed as questionable.

The Falcons, needing a win to secure a playoff spot, will face the Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They must win and hope for a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch their first postseason berth since 2017. The game is set to kick off at 1 pm ET, coinciding with the Buccaneers' matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The Carolina Panthers face a challenging situation as they prepare for their regular season finale against the Atlanta Falcons, with outside linebacker D.J. Johnson listed as out due to a personal matter. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Johnson was involved in a car accident, although he reassured that the situation is not life-threatening. Canales stated they are currently gathering more information about Johnson’s condition.

Johnson, a former third-round pick, has had a solid season, participating in 14 games and recording 44 tackles, three tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one fumble recovery, and half a sack. His absence will be felt as the Panthers aim to conclude their season on a high note.

In addition to Johnson, the Panthers have several players listed as questionable for the matchup, including running back Miles Sanders (ankle), wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip/wrist), guard Robert Hunt (knee), and tackle Taylor Moton (knee). Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (neck) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (rest) are also in doubt. The team will need to assess their health ahead of the game against the Falcons.

The Carolina Panthers are entering the offseason with approximately $32 million in cap space, placing them in a moderately favorable position within the NFL. However, the team faces significant challenges as they look to address several critical roster needs. To maximize their financial flexibility for free agency, the Panthers may consider restructuring contracts or extending players like Adam Thielen and Taylor Moton. Yet, the most straightforward approach for the Panthers could be to release underperforming players, often referred to as cap casualties.

Among the potential cap casualties for the Panthers in 2025, Shy Tuttle stands out. Although he occasionally contributes, Tuttle lacks the dominant presence the team requires on the interior defensive line. Cutting him would not only bolster the team's overall strength but also free up $6.5 million in cap space. Another candidate is Dane Jackson, who has struggled to make an impact since joining the team. Releasing him could save $3.35 million, providing a modest yet beneficial financial boost.

Finally, Miles Sanders appears to be on the chopping block as well. With Chuba Hubbard emerging as the lead running back and Jonathon Brooks waiting in the wings, Sanders' ineffective performance has made his departure likely. Cutting Sanders would save the Panthers $6.7 million, making it a predictable move as they look to reshape their roster for the upcoming season.

The Carolina Panthers face a pivotal decision regarding their rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, as they prepare for their season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. After spending five weeks on the bench, Young has emerged as a standout performer in the NFL, particularly since Week 9, raising questions about his playing status for the upcoming game. Although the Panthers have little to gain from the match, they have the opportunity to spoil the Falcons' playoff hopes.

One argument for resting Young is his potential risk of injury. At a smaller stature, he has shown resilience against hits, but the Panthers’ offensive line is currently compromised, with several key players on the injury report. The team allowed an alarming 68.6% pressure rate last week, which could put Young in jeopardy against a formidable Falcons pass rush. Given the injuries affecting the running game and offensive line, sitting Young may seem prudent to protect the franchise's future.

Conversely, the Panthers lack offensive options without Young on the field. His performance last week demonstrated that he is crucial for moving the ball, as he accounted for a significant portion of the team’s passing yards. The alternative quarterbacks, Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer, are less capable of leading the offense effectively. Moreover, Young's continued development is essential, not just for his chemistry with the current roster but also for building rapport with rookie pass-catchers. Therefore, despite the risks, the Panthers should opt to play Young in the season finale to ensure he gains valuable experience and maintains the team’s offensive competitiveness.