CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- According to ESPN's Playoff Machine, there are five scenarios in which the Carolina Panthers make the playoffs and one in which they don't.

I tested the device for the first time on Tuesday, curious what the machine would come up with after Carolina's eight-game winning streak ended with a 31-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night.

Here's what the computer spit out:

Based on winning percentage: the Panthers are projected to be the sixth seed at 11-5 and open the playoffs at NFC East champion Philadelphia, projected to be 11-5.

Based on the home teams winning: the Panthers are projected to be the fifth seed at 11-5 and open the playoffs at NFC East champion Dallas, projected to be 9-7.

Based on power rankings: the Panthers are projected to be the sixth seed at 11-5 and open the playoffs at NFC East champion Philadelphia, projected to be 11-5.

Based on offensive rank: the Panthers are projected to be the fifth seed at 10-6 and open the playoffs at NFC North champion Detroit, projected to be 10-6.

Based on defensive rank: the Panthers are projected to be the fifth seed at 12-4 and open the playoffs at NFC North champion Green Bay, projected to be 8-7-1.

The only scenario in which the Panthers are projected to miss the playoffs is if the away teams win. That would leave them tied with Arizona at 10-6, and the Cardinals would win the tiebreaker based on a 22-6 victory against Carolina on Oct. 6.

Then it would be home for the holidays for the Panthers, 9-4 heading into Sunday's home game against the New York Jets (6-7).

But I'm more of an eye test person, so I had to look at where every team is, who they play and project how I saw things play out. Using this less scientific formula, I have the Panthers 12-4 and the No. 5 seed playing at Detroit, the No. 4 seed.

Here's the breakdown of my NFC projections:

Seattle (11-2) Remaining games: at N.Y. Giants, vs. Cardinals, vs. Rams. Prognosis: The Seahawks, already assured a playoff spot, stubbed their toe against San Francisco. They shouldn't again, although a home game against Arizona could be interesting. My prediction: 3-0. Record: 14-2, NFC West champion. No. 1 seed.