The NFC South picture became a bit clearer after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Carolina Panthers 16–14 at home, a result that gives Tampa Bay another path to the playoffs and a chance to be crowned division champions, pending a key outcome on Sunday, January 4.
With the win, the Buccaneers improved to 8–9, but their playoff fate now hinges on the New Orleans Saints defeating the Atlanta Falcons. If New Orleans takes care of business, Tampa Bay would claim the NFC South title and secure a playoff spot.
Atlanta, meanwhile, must beat the Saints to keep Carolina’s hopes alive. The Panthers also sit at 8–9 but would lose a tiebreaker to the Buccaneers due to their head-to-head record, which would be enough to push them into the playoffs and avoid elimination following their disappointing loss in Tampa Bay.
NFC South standings
The Buccaneers currently sit atop the NFC South standings at 8–9, but as previously explained, the Panthers, despite having the same record, have not been eliminated yet. Their path depends on the 7–9 Falcons taking care of business against a struggling 6–10 Saints team.
| Team | W | L | T | Pct | PF | PA | Home | Away | Strk |
| Buccaneers | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 380 | 411 | 4-4 | 4-5 | W1 |
| Panthers | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 311 | 380 | 5-3 | 3-6 | L2 |
| Falcons | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 334 | 384 | 3-4 | 4-5 | W3 |
| Saints | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 289 | 364 | 3-5 | 3-5 | W4 |
see also
Are the Panthers eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Buccaneers?
Another result that would help the Buccaneers clinch the NFC South title would be a tie between the Falcons and Saints, an outcome that rarely happens, but one that remains possible. Historically, Atlanta holds a slim 57–56–0 edge in the series, leaving the door open for a scenario that could still favor Tampa Bay.
The last time Atlanta beat New Orleans came in November 2025, a 24–10 win that showcased their offensive firepower. That result is what gives Panthers fans some hope, as the Falcons appear to be a slightly stronger team than the Saints heading into this matchup.
