The Carolina Panthers have an opportunity to close out the 2012 season on a chunky winning streak, with Oakland and New Orleans remaining. (The Raiders are the Raiders, and the Saints fell in Charlotte earlier this season.) OK, I'm not guaranteeing the Panthers will roll 'em. But what a solid end this could be to a season that seemed completely lost not long ago. You know, some fans want their 3-9 teams to close the doors, have the players go antiquing with their grandmothers and call it a day at 3-13 -- so as to obtain a premium pick in April's draft. That sucks. Play ball, play hard and win out.