I didn't watch the Panthers game today, but I did listen to the entire game on the radio. Surely your comment (I bolded it) can't be true given how the Panthers played today - and still won! Both games were whacky, but I think the level of play of Carolina (even though they almost blew the game) was higher than that of the Chiefs.
If Carolina can beat Miami this coming Thursday, they may still be in the hunt. I have a feeling there will be a big log-jam for that final WC spot in the NFC.