In a tightly contested battle, the Carolina Panthers topped the Las Vegas Raiders 16-12 in Week 17 of the 2028 season. With playoff implications on the line, both teams fought hard, but the Panthers managed to secure the crucial victory at home, keeping their postseason hopes alive. Offensively, Fernando Mendoza led the Raiders with a solid performance, throwing for 224 yards, while his main target, TJ Moore, caught six passes for 78 yards. On the other side, Chuba Hubbard made his mark with 84 rushing yards, providing Carolina with the ground game needed to complement their aerial attack. Despite struggling to find the end zone, the Panthers capitalized on key opportunities to secure the win. Defensively, D.J. Reed was a standout for Carolina, racking up eight total tackles to stifle the Raiders' offensive rhythm. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Jermod McCoy intercepted Mendoza, halting a potential game-winning drive and allowing the Panthers to run down the clock and seal their victory. With both teams showing grit, it was Carolina’s defense that ultimately tilted the scales in their favor.