NFC South: Top 10 teams in division history

6) Carolina Panthers 2005

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) celebrates a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The 2005 NFL season was a vast improvement for the Carolina Panthers. After finishing with a disappointing 7-9 record in 2004, the Panthers  re-gathered themselves and won their second NFC South division with an 11-5 record. It was also their first playoff appearance since losing to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

The Panthers hosted the New York Giants in the first round of the playoffs and knocked them off , 23-0. The Panthers then tangled with the Chicago Bears in the second round and sent them packing with a 29-21 win to make it back to the NFC Championship game for the second time in three years. Unfortunately, the Panthers fell short to the Seattle Seahawks, 34-14 to end their season.