The Carolina Panthers made the playoffs with a losing record, becoming the fifth team since 1982 to do so, and history shows that such teams can succeed in the first round, as seen with past teams like the 2010 Seahawks and 2014 Panthers. Coach Dave Canales, with experience from the Seahawks' 7-9 season, emphasizes that once in the playoffs, record doesn't matter—only the next game does.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2026 schedule includes games against second-place teams from NFC East, NFC West, and AFC West, with home games against the Chargers, Rams, and Falcons, and away games against the Cowboys, Ravens, and others, totaling 17 games with nine at home due to the NFC hosting the 17th game.
The Carolina Panthers' NFC South division championship shirts and hats, kept in storage for weeks due to superstition, were finally distributed after the team clinched the title, with players and staff receiving their gear, and fans able to purchase them online or at the stadium.
The Atlanta Falcons' 2026 NFL schedule has been finalized, featuring division games against NFC South opponents, matchups against NFC North and AFC North teams, and additional games against Washington, San Francisco, and Kansas City, based on their 2025 season standings.
The Carolina Panthers secured their first division championship since 2015 after a dramatic win that depended on other game outcomes, with coach Dave Canales expressing excitement and optimism for their upcoming playoff game, emphasizing the team's resilience and focus on the next opportunity.
The Panthers clinched the NFC South title and a playoff spot despite losing their final game, thanks to the Falcons' win over the Saints, which created a three-way tie in the division. The Falcons' victory, highlighted by Drake London's early touchdown and a late onside kick recovery, secured their position, while the Saints' rookie Tyler Shough impressed with a strong performance. Kirk Cousins also played well for the Falcons, hinting at potential offseason opportunities.
The Falcons defeated the Saints, creating a three-way tie in the NFC South, while the Panthers secured their first division title since 2015 and will host a playoff game at Bank of America Stadium next weekend.
The Panthers lost to the Buccaneers, leaving their playoff fate uncertain and dependent on other game outcomes, with scenarios including potential division title and playoff seeding based on upcoming results in Week 18.
The New Orleans Saints (6-10) are set to face the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) in a crucial NFC South matchup, with roster updates including the signing of tight end Treyton Welch and elevations of quarterback Jake Haener and running back Nyheim Miller-Hines. The outcome of this game will determine the NFC South champion, with the winner likely having a losing record, and the division title will be decided at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Baker Mayfield, narrowly defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14, keeping their playoff hopes alive and needing the New Orleans Saints to beat the Atlanta Falcons to win the NFC South division, which will be a losing record champion. The game was marked by a rain-soaked finish, key turnovers, and a potential farewell for veteran players like Mike Evans and Lavonte David. The outcome hinges on the final game between the Saints and Falcons.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14, keeping their NFC South division hopes alive as they await the outcome of the Saints-Falcons game. The game was closely contested, with key plays including a late touchdown by Carolina and a crucial field goal by Tampa Bay, amidst challenging weather conditions.
The Panthers could make the 2025 playoffs despite having no wins as favorites, a historic feat if they succeed, and would be considered underdogs with little pressure, potentially giving them an edge in the postseason.
The NFC South championship race is between the Panthers and Buccaneers, with the outcome depending on this weekend's games; a Panthers win or Falcons loss secures the division for Carolina, while a Buccaneers win and Saints loss extend Tampa Bay's streak to five titles, despite recent struggles.
Despite a four-game losing streak, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have a chance to win the NFC South and make the playoffs, but they need to win their final game and hope other results go their way, with the playoff picture in the NFC still largely undecided heading into Week 18.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will face off on Saturday to determine the NFC South champion, with the winner likely claiming the division title and playoff spot, while the Falcons' results could also influence the division standings.
