Panthers Stun Packers with Last-Second Field Goal in 16-13 Week 9 Upset

The Carolina Panthers pulled off a stunning 16-13 victory over the Green Bay Packers on a 47-yard field goal as time expired, capping off a chaotic, emotionally charged Week 9 NFL matchup Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The win wasn’t just a surprise—it was a seismic shift in the NFC North and South standings, sending shockwaves through fans, analysts, and fantasy leagues alike. The game, broadcast nationally by FOX Sports, drew massive ratings and sparked heated debates over a critical goal-line call that could’ve changed everything.

Chaos at the Goal Line

With just 2:17 left and the score tied 13-13, the Packers drove into Panthers territory, hoping to seal the game with a touchdown. On a critical 3rd-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Green Bay running back Jacobs plunged forward—only for the ball to pop loose as he crossed the plane. The officials initially ruled it a touchdown, but after a lengthy review, the call was overturned: ball still in play, Panthers take over on downs.

"HANDOFF, JACOBS, HE’S IN! AND IT’S A ONE-POINT GAME! NOW, WAIT A SECOND, DID THAT BALL COME OUT BEFORE HE BROKE THE PLANE?" shouted Adam, the FOX broadcast analyst, at the 725-second mark. His voice cracked with disbelief. At 746 seconds, he added, "I’D SAY AS THEY LOOK AT THIS IN NEW YORK IT’S TOUCHDOWN." But the replay officials in New York saw it differently. The ball came loose *as* he crossed, not before. The ruling stood: no touchdown. Packers fans in the stands groaned. Panthers defenders hugged each other like they’d just won the Super Bowl.

McManus’ Struggles and the Kick That Won It

The missed opportunity haunted the Packers. Their kicker, Brandon McManus, had already missed a 52-yard attempt earlier in the fourth quarter—his third miss in the last three games. "McMANUS HAS HAD SOME STRUGGLES," the broadcast noted dryly, underscoring a growing concern in Green Bay’s locker room. With no time for another drive, the Packers were forced to settle for a 42-yard field goal that tied the game at 13—leaving just 17 seconds for Carolina to respond.

Enter Eddy Pineiro, the Panthers’ veteran kicker. On a cold, windy night in Green Bay, he calmly lined up for the 47-yarder. The snap was good. The hold was perfect. The kick—low, but true—sliced through the uprights as the clock hit zero. Lambeau Field fell silent. The Panthers sideline erupted. Pineiro didn’t celebrate wildly—he just pointed to the sky, then jogged back, knowing this was the kind of kick that defines careers.

Pre-Game Hype and Media Frenzy

Even before kickoff, the game had a cultural footprint. Corey Behnke and Aaron Nagler, co-founders of Cheesehead TV, hosted a pre-game watch party on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:50 a.m. Lambeau Time, drawing thousands of live viewers. Their channel, known for its quirky, fan-driven analysis, had been hyping the game for weeks. Sponsor Nicolet Law, a Wisconsin-based firm with decades of legal experience, ran ads during the stream, subtly tying their brand to the Packers’ legacy—and the drama of last-second outcomes.

Meanwhile, Panthers.com and Packers.com both published detailed broadcast maps, showing which local FOX affiliates carried the game. Fans in the Carolinas and Wisconsin saw the same broadcast, but with different commercials—proof of the NFL’s hyper-localized media strategy. For fans outside those markets, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV was the only legal way to watch live.

Why This Matters Beyond the Record Book

This wasn’t just another Week 9 upset. The Panthers, coming into the game at 3-5, were written off as playoff longshots. The Packers, at 6-2, were seen as serious NFC contenders. Now? Carolina’s win gives them breathing room in the NFC South. Green Bay? Their path to a playoff bye just got a lot narrower. Matt LaFleur’s decision-making under pressure—especially after the overturned touchdown—will be scrutinized for weeks.

"It’s not just about the kick," said ESPN analyst Marcus Spears in a post-game segment. "It’s about resilience. The Panthers didn’t have a 100-yard rusher. Their QB threw for just 122 yards. But they held the line, forced the turnover, and trusted their kicker when it mattered most. That’s championship DNA."

What’s Next?

The Panthers travel to Atlanta next week to face the Falcons, still clinging to playoff hopes. The Packers host the Minnesota Vikings in a must-win game that could define their season. Meanwhile, the NFL has already flagged the Jacobs goal-line play for review by the league’s competition committee—could this lead to a rule change on fumbles at the goal line? The league hasn’t said yet, but insiders tell me it’s under active discussion.

And if you missed it, Panthers.com released a highlight reel titled "Panthers’ Top Plays vs. Packers Week 9," which includes every key moment—from the overturned TD to Pineiro’s kick. It’s already gone viral.