What Panthers win vs. Bucs means for NFC south, wild-card standings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers met for a pivotal NFC South matchup in Week 16, and the Panthers picked up the win at home.

Carolina has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this year. Dave Canales' squad is now 8-7, and has won two of their last three games, including a victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 and Sunday's win over the Buccaneers.

Not only did the Panthers tally a victory over their division rivals, but they also took over the NFC South.

NFC South standings

1. Carolina Panthers (8-7)

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

3. Atlanta Falcons (5-9, will play Arizona Cardinals in Week 16)

4. New Orleans Saints (5-10)

Carolina has taken control of first place in the NFC South, and officially controls their destiny in the division. The Panthers and Bucs will meet again in Week 18.

If the Panthers beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 and the Bucs lose to the Miami Dolphins, Carolina will be NFC South champions. However, if both teams win next week, Week 18 will be for the division.

NFC playoff picture

The Panthers have taken over the No.4 seed in the NFC playoff picture with the win over the Bucs. Tampa Bay has fallen back into the hunt.

According to Next Gen stats, Carolina has a 43% chance of making the playoffs, while the Buccaneers are still at 57%.

We'll see how the next few weeks transpire for both teams, but as of right now, the Bryce Young-led Panthers control their destiny in the NFC South and could become division champions for the first time since 2015 in the coming weeks.