If you’re wondering what time does Carolina Panthers play, you’ve likely realized that being a fan in the Carolinas is a whole mood right now. Following a season that actually saw them clinch the NFC South for the first time in nearly a decade, the hype is real. But honestly, the NFL schedule is a moving target. Between the flex scheduling and the international games, trying to find the kickoff time can feel like trying to tackle a prime Cam Newton in the open field.
The Panthers recently wrapped up their 2025-26 run with a tough 31-34 Wild Card loss to the Rams. While the postseason sting is still fresh, the 2026 calendar is already taking shape. If you’re checking for a game today, January 16, 2026, the NFL team is officially in the offseason. However, the schedule for the upcoming 2026 season is the next big thing on the horizon.
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When to Expect the 2026 Kickoff Times
Most fans don't realize that the NFL doesn't just drop the full schedule with times and dates the moment the Super Bowl ends. It's a slow burn. We already know who they are playing, but the "when" is the tricky part.
The official NFL schedule release usually happens in mid-May. That is when we get the specific 1:00 PM ET or 4:25 PM ET slots that dictate whether you’re tailgating with breakfast biscuits or barbecue. Since the Panthers finished first in the NFC South this past season, they’re looking at a first-place schedule. That means more eyes, more potential primetime slots, and fewer of those quiet early-afternoon windows.
Basically, until May, any "time" you see listed for the 2026 regular season is just a placeholder.
The 2026 Opponent Lockdown
While the clock hasn't started yet, the locations have. The Panthers are set for a grueling but exciting rotation. Because of the 17-game format, they actually get nine home games at Bank of America Stadium this year. Here is the breakdown of who they'll face:
Home Games in Charlotte:
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- Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (The usual divisional suspects).
- Chicago Bears (Caleb Williams coming to town).
- Detroit Lions (Always a physical fight).
- Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson is a nightmare for any DC).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow in the Queen City).
- Seattle Seahawks (The battle of the birds).
- Denver Broncos (Bo Nix and Sean Payton).
Away Games on the Road:
- Divisional trips to Atlanta, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay.
- Green Bay Packers (Lambeau in the winter is no joke).
- Minnesota Vikings (The noise in that dome is something else).
- Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Philadelphia Eagles (A high-stakes matchup against Jalen Hurts).
Why Kickoff Times Change (The Flex Rule)
You might see a game listed for 1:00 PM on a Sunday, only to check your phone on Tuesday and see it moved to 8:15 PM. This is the "Flex Scheduling" reality. The NFL wants the best matchups in front of the biggest audiences.
For the 2026 season, the NFL can flex games into Sunday Night Football starting as early as Week 5. They also have the power to flex Monday Night Football later in the season. If Bryce Young and the offense are cooking like they did during that mid-season stretch in 2025, expect a few of those 1:00 PM games to disappear in favor of the national spotlight.
How to Stay Updated Without Losing Your Mind
Honestly, the best way to keep track of what time does Carolina Panthers play is to use the official team app, but even that can be laggy with updates. If you're a season ticket holder, you'll get the alerts first. For the rest of us, keeping an eye on the Wednesday afternoon reports from local insiders like those at The Charlotte Observer is usually the move.
Don't trust the third-party ticket sites for game times until at least June. They often guess based on last year's patterns, and that's a quick way to show up to the stadium four hours early or, worse, two hours late.
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Pro-Fan Tactics for 2026
- Sync your calendar: Wait until the May release, then use the "Add to Calendar" feature on Panthers.com. It updates automatically if the NFL flexes the time.
- Watch the International Window: The NFL loves sending teams overseas. While no London or Munich game is confirmed for Carolina yet, those kickoffs usually happen at 9:30 AM ET. It changes the whole vibe of your Sunday.
- Check the Network: Fox usually carries the NFC games, but with the new TV deals, you might find the Panthers on CBS, ESPN, or even Amazon Prime for those Thursday night brawls.
The most important thing to remember is that the "first-place finish" from the 2025 season means the Panthers are no longer an afterthought for the league's broadcast partners. We are likely looking at more late-afternoon (4:25 PM ET) and evening games than we've seen in years. Keep your Sundays flexible.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Mark your calendar for mid-May 2026: This is the only time the official kickoff times will be confirmed by the NFL.
- Download the Panthers Official App: Enable notifications specifically for "Schedule Updates" to catch flex-time changes in real-time.
- Check the NHL Schedule: If you’re looking for a "Panthers" game tonight (January 16), the Florida Panthers are actually playing the Carolina Hurricanes at 7:00 PM ET. It’s a common mix-up in the Carolinas!