The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed like they had this one.
But then the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins staged an incredible rally to beat the Bucs on Thursday Night Football in Week 15. It changes everything in the NFC South standings for both the Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers.
Just a handful of days after a bad loss to the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay did it again.
The Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers entered the night tied atop the NFC South at 7-6. The wild card spots won't be coming out of this division, so it's division title or bust.
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How Buccaneers' loss impacts NFC South standings, Panthers' chances
Tampa Bay has given up control. The Buccaneers are now 7-7.
The 7-6 Panthers can match take the division lead outright with a win over the lowly Saints on Sunday.
After this week, each team will have three games left.
Amazingly, they still have to play twice.
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The Bucs play in Charlotte in Week 16, then it's back in Tampa Bay in Week 18.
In between, the Buccaneers play the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 on the road, while the Panthers host the Seattle Seahawks that week.
Those two showdowns will have a great chance of deciding things. Right now, everything remains in play, but the Panthers have a leg up after a shocking loss on Thursday night.
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