The Carolina Panthers suffered a crushing defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, as Dave Canales' squad just didn't do enough on either side of the ball to pick up the road victory.
Carolina's offense was basically non-existent on Saturday, while the defense couldn't stop Tampa Bay's rushing attack. The Panthers will finish the regular season at 8-9, their eighth straight losing season.
Though Carolina has a losing record and fell to Tampa Bay in Week 18, they are still alive in the NFC South.
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 road to the division title and playoffs is simple for the Panthers. If Atlanta beats New Orleans on Sunday in Week 18, Carolina is the NFC South champions and the No. 4 seed in the NFC, while Tampa Bay is out.
However, a Saints win ends the Panthers' season and sends the Bucs to the postseason as the division champions.
NFC playoff picture
Whoever wins the NFC South between Carolina and Tampa Bay will be the No. 4 seed in the NFC. The Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and the Seattle Seahawks are the potential opponents for the four seed in Round 1.
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