The Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up a pivotal Week 18 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, as Todd Bowles' defense shut down Carolina's offense, while Tampa Bay's offense did just enough to seal the deal.
Saturday's win over the Panthers means the Bucs will finish with an 8-9 record. Tampa Bay posted winning seasons in 2023 and 2024, but the short streak ended in 2025.
Though the Bucs lost seven of their last nine games to end the regular season and have a losing record, they still have a chance of getting into the postseason as NFC South champions.
NFC South standings
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
2. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
3. Atlanta Falcons (7-9, will play Saints in Week 18)
4. New Orleans Saints (6-10, will play Falcons in Week 18)
The Bucs didn't clinch the division with the victory over the Panthers. They'll need some help from the Saints.
If New Orleans defeats Atlanta on Sunday in Week 18, Tampa Bay will be the NFC South champions, and Carolina will miss the postseason. However, if the Falcons beat the Saints, the Panthers will take home the division despite their loss on Saturday, and the Bucs will be out of the playoffs.
NFC playoff picture
Whoever wins the NFC South will be the No. 4 seed in the NFC and will take on either the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, or Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.
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