<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> seem to be on the right path in their latest rebuilding process, led by Dave Canales as head coach and Bryce Young as the starting quarterback.</p>



<p>Despite the many doubts about Young as a franchise QB, the Alabama prospect managed to bounce back after a tough rookie year and has established himself as the undisputed starter.</p>



<p>Now, the Panthers could have a chance to fight for the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a></strong> if they defeat the Buccaneers to win the NFC South. However, a loss could derail their postseason hopes.</p>



<h2>Are the Panthers out of the playoffs if they lose to Buccaneers?</h2>



<p>No. The Carolina Panthers are not out of the playoffs even if they lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this scenario, a win by the Atlanta Falcons over the New Orleans Saints would make the Panthers NFC South champions and earn them a ticket to the postseason.</p>


        

        


<h2>What happens if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers in Week 18?</h2>



<p>If the Carolina Panthers defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, they will clinch their playoff berth as NFC South champions. That would make them the No. 4 seed in the conference, with a home game in the Wild Card round.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/what-happens-if-tampa-bay-buccaneers-lose-today-against-panthers-in-2025-nfl-week-18"></div>

Are the Carolina Panthers eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

What happens if Buccaneers win today against Panthers in Week 18 of 2025 NFL season?

What happens if Panthers lose or win today against Buccaneers in NFL Week 18 of 2025 season?

Are the Panthers eliminated from playoffs with loss to Bucs? - Bolavip US

Are Panthers eliminated from playoffs with loss vs Buccaneers?

Are the Panthers eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Buccaneers?

miniaturas

<p>Despite a disastrous second half of the season, the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> still have a chance to make the playoffs with a win over the Carolina Panthers and a Falcons loss against the New Orleans Saints.</p>



<p>The surprising Falcons’ victory on Monday Night Football over <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a></strong> and the Los Angeles Rams changed the entire outlook, as, in a scenario no one expected, the Bucs no longer fully control their destiny.</p>



<p>When the Week 18 games were announced last Sunday, it seemed that the matchup between Tampa and Carolina would be a “winner goes in, loser goes home” situation. However, in an <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a></strong> season full of surprises, the NFC South is headed for a crazy finish.</p>



<h2>Are Bucs eliminated from playoffs if they lose to Panthers?</h2>



<p>Yes. The Bucs are eliminated from the playoffs if they lose against the Carolina Panthers. In addition to missing out on the division title, they cannot catch the Green Bay Packers in the race for the No. 7 spot in the conference.</p>


        

        


<h2>Do the Bucs have a chance at the playoffs?</h2>



<p>The Bucs have a chance at the playoffs but do not control their destiny. Even if they beat the Carolina Panthers, they need the Falcons to lose to the Saints. If the Atlanta Falcons win that game, regardless of the result between Carolina and Tampa, the Panthers will be NFC South champions.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/what-happens-if-panthers-lose-or-win-today-against-buccaneers-in-nfl-week-18-of-2025-season"></div>

Are the Buccaneers eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Panthers?

What happens if Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose today against Panthers in 2025 NFL Week 18?

Are the Bucs eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Panthers in Week 18? - Bolavip US

Are the Bucs eliminated with loss to Panthers?

Are the Bucs eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Panthers?

<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> </strong>and<strong> Carolina Panthers </strong>will face each other in a Week 18 showdown of the 2025&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a></strong>&nbsp;regular season. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff details and streaming options for USA fans, so you don’t miss any of the action.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191277?irad=356362&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">[Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers online in the USA on Fubo]</a></strong></p>



<p>With everything on the line in the final week of the <strong>NFL regular</strong> season, this matchup carries postseason stakes that will define the outcome for both franchises. The <strong>NFC South</strong> title remains unresolved, and the winner here secures a playoff berth, turning this contest into a true win-or-go-home scenario.</p>



<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> enter Week 18 holding a narrow edge atop the division at 8-8, but the <strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong> are close behind at 7-9 and control their own destiny with a victory. One game, one division crown, and one ticket to the playoffs are all on the line in a season-defining showdown.</p>



<h2>When will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers match be played?</h2>



<p><strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers </strong>will face<strong> Carolina Panthers </strong>in Week 18 of the 2025&nbsp;<strong>NFL</strong>&nbsp;regular season on&nbsp;<strong>Saturday, January 3</strong>. Kickoff is scheduled for&nbsp;<strong>4:30 PM (ET).</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555201_Claudin-Cherelus_ac6284d8.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555224"></figure><figcaption>Claudin Cherelus of the Carolina Panthers – Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-teams-with-the-most-consecutive-losses"></div>


<h2>Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers: Time by State in the USA</h2>



<p><strong>ET</strong>: 4:30 PM<br><strong>CT</strong>: 3:30 PM<br><strong>MT</strong>: 2:30 PM<br><strong>PT</strong>: 1:30 PM</p>



<h2>How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers in the USA</h2>



<p>The&nbsp;<strong>NFL&nbsp;</strong>matchup between the<strong>&nbsp;Tampa Bay Buccaneers </strong>and<strong> Carolina Panthers </strong>will be available for live streaming on&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191277?irad=356362&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a></strong>. Fans can also catch the game on ABC and ESPN.</p>

Where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers in the USA: 2025 NFL Regular Season Game

Where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers in the USA: 2025 NFL Regular Season Game - Bolavip US

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in Dave Canales’ second season as head coach. After a disappointing 2024 with a 5-12 record, patience with Bryce Young was key to turning the team around.</p>



<p>Now, the improvement is noticeable. The Panthers are in the hunt for the NFC South until the final week of the season and, throughout the year, they have had marquee triumphs over rivals like the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a></strong>, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Green Bay Packers.</p>



<p>However, all that effort could be in vain if they don’t secure a victory against the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> in Week 18. Find out what happens to the Panthers if they win or lose on the road.</p>



<h2>What happens if Panthers lose today against Bucs?</h2>



<p>If the Panthers lose today against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they would need the Atlanta Falcons to defeat the New Orleans Saints in order to win the NFC South. This would create a three-way tie at the top of the division, and after applying the common opponents tiebreakers, Carolina would be the division champion. It is important to note that a loss does not yet eliminate the Panthers from the playoffs.</p>


        

        


<h2>What happens if Panthers beat Buccaneers in Week 18?</h2>



<p>If the Carolina Panthers get a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will be NFC South champions and secure a spot in the playoffs. Additionally, during the Wild Card round, they will have a home game as the No. 4 seed.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-news-buccaneers-make-final-decision-about-the-future-of-baker-mayfields-head-coach"></div>

What happens if Carolina Panthers lose or win against Tampa Bay Buccaneers in NFL Week 18?

What happens if Panthers lose or win against Buccaneers in NFL Week 18? - Bolavip US

What happens if Panthers lose or win today against Buccaneers?

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> face the <strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong> in Week 18 for the right to win the NFC South and subsequently, go to the <strong>NFL</strong> Playoffs. However, if the Panthers win, they would achieve something unprecedented.</p>



<p>According to Doug Clawson of CBS Sports, <strong>the 8-8 Panthers would be the first team since the merger (1970) to make the playoffs without having a win as the odds-on favorites</strong>. This is as incredible as a stat get. Going to the postseason, eventually having nine wins (they are underdogs vs. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buccaneers</a>) and none of them coming as a favorite is borderline impossible to get replicated.</p>



<p>For instance, the Jets also have no wins as favorites. However, <strong>they are 3-13 and way eliminated from playoff contention</strong>. The fact that Carolina is alive with a stat like this is just an indictment of the overachieving season the team has had.</p>



<h2>A loss could mean imminent change for the Bucs</h2>



<p>The Buccaneers can’t afford to lose. Their collapse has been brutal this season and ending it without playoff football would mean changes need to be made. <strong>The team started 5-1 and then lost eight out of the following 10 games.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555426_baker-mayfield-4_213d913b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers." class="wp-image-540970"></figure><figcaption>Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baker-mayfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> has also shown a steep decline this season. However, the amount of injuries his skill players have suffered and the fact that <strong>he is also playing on an injured shoulder might have hampered his production</strong>. After all, this was a team with very high expectations.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-teams-with-the-most-consecutive-losses"></div>


<h2>NFC South winner will likely be underdog in the Wild Card Round</h2>



<p>Whoever wins the Panthers vs. Buccaneers game will end up as the fourth seed in the NFC. However, despite being the home team for the Wild Card Round, <strong>it will likely be the underdog. </strong></p>



<p><strong>They will face either the 49ers, Seahawks, or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-rams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rams</a> in the Wild Card Round, all three teams with double-digit wins.</strong> All will be favorites to beat either NFC South team. Having said that, the Panthers already beat the Rams this week. As for the Bucs, they beat both the Seahawks and 49ers, albeit both within the first six games of the season.</p>

Panthers are on the verge of historic feat with a win over Buccaneers in Week 18

Panthers are on the verge of historic feat with a win over Buccaneers in Week 18 - Bolavip US

<p>If the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> defeat the Carolina Panthers in Week 18, that will not be enough to win the NFC South and secure a spot in the playoffs. In this scenario, <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baker-mayfield">Baker Mayfield</a></strong> and his teammates would also need the Falcons to lose to the Saints in order to win the division title.</p>



<p>This means that the Bucs do not control their own destiny to qualify for the playoffs. Even if they beat the Panthers on Saturday, they will inevitably have to wait for Sunday’s result between Atlanta and New Orleans to know whether they will make the postseason or not.</p>



<p>Another scenario for the Buccaneers to win the NFC South is to defeat the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> and have the game between the Saints and the Falcons end in a tie. That way, the Bucs would be in the playoffs as well.</p>



<h2>Can the Bucs win the NFC South?</h2>



<p>Yes. The Bucs can win the NFC South if they beat the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons lose or tie against the New Orleans Saints. That way, Tampa would be the No. 4 seed in the conference, with a home game in the Wild Card round.</p>


        

        


<h2>Do the Buccaneers clinch a spot in the playoffs with win vs Panthers?</h2>



<p>No. A victory by the Buccaneers over the Panthers is not enough to clinch a spot in the playoffs. In this scenario, the Bucs also need the Falcons to lose in Week 18 to avoid a three-way tie in the standings, which, based on the common opponents tiebreaker, would give the NFC South title to Carolina.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/baker-mayfield-net-worth"></div>


<h2>What happens if Bucs beat Panthers today?</h2>



<p>If the Bucs beat the Panthers today, the stage will be set for the Falcons and Saints to determine the future of the NFC South. A win by New Orleans would give the title to Tampa, while a victory by Atlanta would give Carolina a ticket to the playoffs.</p>

What happens if Bucs beat Panthers in NFL Week 18?

NFL News: Buccaneers make final decision about the future of Baker Mayfield’s head coach

What happens if Buccaneers win today against Panthers in NFL Week 18? - Bolavip US

What happens if Bucs win over Panthers in Week 18?

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> lost seven of their last eight games, but, surprisingly, they still have a chance to clinch a spot in the playoffs. After starting the season with a promising 6-2 record, Baker Mayfield and other stars were hit by injuries, completely changing the team’s trajectory.</p>



<p>Although it seems like a very distant situation, we cannot forget that Mayfield was an early candidate to possibly win the MVP Award and that, at the start of the season, his biggest competitor appeared to be <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</a></strong>. Now, the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kansas-city-chiefs">Kansas City Chiefs</a></strong> are eliminated, and the Bucs are very close to following that same path.</p>



<p>Now, the big question is what would happen to the Buccaneers if they suffer a loss in the final game of the regular season against the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a></strong>. The consequences in the NFC South would be enormous.</p>



<h2>What happens if Buccaneers lose today against Panthers?</h2>



<p>If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose today against the Carolina Panthers, they would be officially eliminated from playoff contention. Bryce Young’s team would win the NFC South, and the Bucs would be out, with no chances in either the division or the wild card race, finishing with a record of 7-10.</p>


        

        


<h2>How can the Buccaneers clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs?</h2>



<p>The Buccaneers can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 18, but they also need the Atlanta Falcons to lose their final game against the New Orleans Saints. With this combination of results, the Bucs would win the NFC South.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/what-happens-if-buccaneers-win-today-against-panthers-in-week-18-of-2025-nfl-season"></div>

What happens if Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose today against Carolina Panthers in NFL Week 18?

What happens if Buccaneers lose today against Panthers in NFL Week 18? - Bolavip US

What happens if Buccaneers lose today to Panthers?

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-steelers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pittsburgh Steelers</a></strong> and <strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong> are battling for the <strong>AFC North</strong> title, while the <strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong> and the <strong>Carolina Panthers</strong> are doing the same in the <strong>NFC South</strong>. After all four teams played in Week 17 of the 2025 <strong>NFL</strong> season, how are each division’s standings?</p>



<p>Oh, boy. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> is filled with drama and despite the Baltimore Ravens beating the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, <strong>all the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to do was win against the Cleveland Browns and secure their AFC North title</strong>. Of course, the Steelers didn’t do it and next week they face the Ravens for both the divisional title and the playoff berth. This is how the AFC North looks now:</p>



<ol><li>Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)</li><li><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baltimore-ravens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baltimore Ravens</a> (8-8) </li><li>Cincinnati Bengals (6-10) </li><li>Cleveland Browns (4-12)</li></ol>



<h2>NFC South standings are yet to be defined</h2>



<p>Baker Mayfield and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> had a huge collapse as they needed to win to boost their playoff chances. They played an already eliminated team in the Miami Dolphins, <strong>yet they still lost and looked awful all game long</strong>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552894_baker-mayfield-1_7117b77d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Baker Mayfield Buccaneers QB" class="wp-image-534321"></figure><figcaption>Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</figcaption></figure>



<p>As for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a>, a win paired with the Bucs loss would’ve given them the NFC South title, but they faced a tough test against the Seahawks and <strong>even while being a gritty team, they weren’t able to win.</strong> Panthers and Bucs play next week and the winner clinches the division and a playoff spot. The NFC South standings:</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/amid-heated-rift-with-ravens-lamar-jackson-reportedly-hints-at-nfl-team-he-wants-to-play-for"></div>


<ol><li>Carolina Panthers (8-8)</li><li>Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)</li><li>Atlanta Falcons (6-9)* haven’t played their Week 17 game yet</li><li>New Orleans Saints (6-10)</li></ol>



<h2>Only the division winners will go to the playoffs</h2>



<p>Other divisions will grant Wild Card spots but given the record of these teams, only the winners will go to the playoffs, so there are massive implications now that <strong>the Week 18 games will be <em>‘win-and-you’re-in’</em> games</strong>.</p>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69519836e2d53b59fb2f0716" data-title="Who will win the AFC North and NFC South divisions?" data-options="4"></div>

NFL playoff picture: NFC South and AFC North standings updated after 2025 Week 17

NFL playoff picture: NFC South and AFC North standings updated after 2025 Week 17 - Bolavip US

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> are trying to get into the <strong>NFL</strong> Playoffs. However, a tough road awaits as they face the <strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong> in Week 17 and a loss could hamper their chances.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-seahawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle Seahawks</a> are one of the best teams in football, but the Carolina Panthers, are frisky. However, <strong>if the Panthers lose this game, their chances to go to the playoffs drop to 39%</strong>. If they win, they improve to 58%. The Panthers (8-7) are in a battle for the NFC South title with the Buccaneers (7-8).</p>



<p>A loss paired with a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buccaneers</a> win would put the Panthers under duress. However, as both teams face in Week 18, the division would be up for grabs. The same would happen if both the Panthers and Buccaneers win. <strong>Nonetheless, if the Panthers win and the Buccaneers lose, the Panthers would clinch the NFC South</strong>.</p>



<h2>The Seahawks are an elite team</h2>



<p>While this game is in Carolina, <strong>the Seahawks are 6-1 away from home, the second-best team in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> in this scenario</strong>. This is a mark of an elite team. Not only that, but pretty much all key stats favor the Seahawks over the Panthers, as well as the Vegas odds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552749_jaxon-smith-njigba_1ff6205b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks" class="wp-image-545254"></figure><figcaption>Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>The Panthers are not a top 10 team in any offensive category</strong>. As for the defense, the Panthers are still not as great as a playoff team would hope to. Even on turnovers, they have 18 takeaways to 18 giveaways. It’s a middling team to the purest of levels.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/what-happens-if-seahawks-lose-to-panthers-today-in-week-17-of-2025-nfl-season"></div>


<h2>The Panthers must pull another huge upset</h2>



<p><strong>Carolina has big wins like the Packers, Buccaneers and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-rams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rams</a> this season</strong>. Those are statement victories against teams with high credibility and expectations. Still, the credibility around this team is not that high.</p>



<p>The reason for that is because <strong>the Panthers have also lost games to the Cardinals, and got swept by the Saints</strong>. Hence, this is a bipolar team that can upset any contender in the NFL, but also lose to a tanking team in the league.</p>

What happens if Panthers lose today against Seahawks in 2025 NFL Week 17?

What happens if Panthers lose today against Seahawks in 2025 NFL Week 17? - Bolavip US

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/seattle-seahawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle Seahawks</a></strong> already clinched their playoff spot but that doesn’t mean that the Week 17 game against the <strong>Carolina Panthers</strong> doesn’t matter. After all, they are still fighting for something.</p>



<p>The fact is that the Seahawks are fighting to secure the first seed in the NFC but if they lose, all things could get difficult. <strong>If the Seahawks lose and the 49ers and Rams win, Seattle would then drop to the number six seed</strong> and the first seed would become difficult to achieve.</p>



<p><strong>If the Seahawks lose and the 49ers win but Rams lose or tie, they drop to the No. 5 seed</strong>. If the team loses and the 49ers lose but <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-rams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rams</a> win, it also falls down to the No. 5 seed, but then the Seahawks would need to beat the Niners and have the Rams lose to the Cardinals to become the first seed.</p>



<h2>The Panthers are not an easy team to beat</h2>



<p>While not a Super Bowl contender, <strong>the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> have shown they are a frisky team to face. </strong>Among their wins, they have beaten the Buccaneers, Rams, and Packers. The Panthers might not seem like it, but if taken lightly, they will beat you.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552690_bryce-young-2_cea40767.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers." class="wp-image-519597" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers.</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bryce-young" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryce Young</a> is not the best of quarterbacks, but <strong>the Panthers have put him in a position where he can do enough to win these games</strong>. It’s a sleeper challenge for the very favorites Seahawks.  </p>


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<h2>The Seahawks need to wrap the NFC</h2>



<p>Even if the Seahawks are one of the best teams playing away from home, <strong>becoming the first seed in the NFC is key</strong>. Not only because they will have the best chances to go to the Super Bowl, but because of what the context is.</p>



<p>Firstly, <strong>you play at home every single game and secondly, you have an all-important bye week to rest</strong>, recover, and reassess things for the playoffs. Hence, as soon as they can lock up the first seed, the better for the Seahawks.</p>

What happens if Seahawks lose to Panthers today in Week 17 of 2025 NFL season?

What happens if Seahawks lose to Panthers today in Week 17 of 2025 NFL season? - Bolavip US

<p>Cincinnati Bengals icon Chad Johnson has been high on the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> for a hot minute. The former player turned analyst had high expectations for the NFC South team before the start of the season, naming them the team with the most chances to surprise NFL fans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“<strong><em>I say the Panthers,” </em></strong>Johnson told The U.S. Sun. “<em>I’m only high on the Panthers because what they’re doing is special.”</em></p>



<p>He mentioned quarterback <strong>Bryce Young </strong>as one of the reasons, noting that the former No. 1 overall pick was benched and came back stronger in 2024.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“<strong><em>Bryce Young got benched,”</em></strong> Johnson said. <em>“He got benched, but he came back. I don’t know what he ate, I don’t know what prayer he said.<strong> But he came back out this world… phenomenal.”</strong></em></p>



<p>Sixteen weeks into the 2025 season, the Panthers have real chances to win the NFC South and dethrone the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. <strong>They sit at 8-7 with two games left,</strong> and Johnson remains high on the team.</p>



<h2>Chad Johnson notes why the Panthers are building something special&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During Monday’s edition of his joint “Nightcap” show with Shannon Sharpe, Johnson lauded the Panthers for<strong> pulling off wins while dealing with injuries</strong> and using an offense that could produce much more.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251227_BUS_551692_bryce-young-2_1b0e6e58.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young" class="wp-image-519597" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers.</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong><em>“Offensively, goddamn; Bryce Young, they’re not even in their bag yet,”</em></strong> Johnson said. “<em>They’re not even using everybody at their disposal like they should. And they’re still pulling off these wins, upsetting these teams that, most of the time, if you were a betting man, you’d bet the other team was going to beat them!”</em></p>



<p>The Panthers will take on the<strong> Seattle Seahawks</strong> in Week 17, hoping to get a new win that would put them closer to the division title.&nbsp;</p>

NFL legend showers Panthers with praise

NFL legend showers Panthers with praise - Bolavip US

<p><strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a></strong> quarterback<strong> Bryce Young </strong>didn’t have the best 2025 NFL season, but the final stretch of the year shows that he is trending in the right direction. The Panthers have had ups and downs during the campaign, but remain in the race to win the NFC South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They came out victorious in the Week 16 duel against the <strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers, </strong>taking the lead of the division with two games left. Carolina will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 before visiting the Buccaneers in the season finale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Young’s team has secured big wins over the<strong> Green Bay Packers</strong> and the Los Angeles Rams, showing that they can beat anybody on a good day, but have also lost twice to the New Orleans Saints, the worst team in the division.&nbsp; The quarterback continues to make strides and recent numbers should make Panthers fans dream.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Bryce Young is heating up at the right time&nbsp;</h2>



<p>After resurging following his benching in 2024,<strong> Bryce Young is doing the same this season. </strong>He has dealt with injuries this time, but his late-season performances show that he is evolving. Panthers analyst Edgar Salmingo Jr. shared on Tuesday that Young was one from Weeks 1-10, ranking low in most QB stats, including turnovers and total touchdowns. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251226_BUS_551660_Bryce-Young-quarterback-of-the-Carolina-Panthers-1_6b6808d0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young, quarterback of the Carolina Panthers" class="wp-image-267883" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young, quarterback of the Carolina Panthers</figcaption></figure>



<p>From Week 11 until this point, he ranks first in fumbles (last fumbled in Week 11), <strong>fifth in interceptions and fourth in total touchdowns.&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>It’s been argued that the Panthers must move on from Young at the end of the season, but he is on the verge of taking his team to the postseason. The Seahawks (12-3) <strong>aren’t an easy opponent by any means, </strong>but the Panthers have shown they aren’t an easy win for anybody.&nbsp;</p>

Stats show Bryce Young continues intriguing late-season trend

Stats show Bryce Young continues intriguing late-season trend - Bolavip US

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> are in a world of trouble right now. After losing to the <strong>Carolina Panthers</strong>, they are now second in the division with the <strong>NFL</strong> playoffs in jeopardy. The play that ended it all was an interception thrown by <strong>Baker Mayfield</strong> where he didn’t find <strong>Mike Evans</strong>.</p>



<p>After the game, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baker-mayfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayfield</a> spoke about the play that ended in a game-sealing interception. “<em><strong>Was trying to find a lane to step through and make the throw to him. He [Evans] thought I was going to scramble … can’t blame him for that</strong>. Honestly just a sucky situation</em>.” </p>



<p><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-evans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evans</a> and Mayfield usually have an unbelievable connection and chemistry inside the field. Hence, <strong>the miscommunication was really uncharacteristic from the duo</strong>. Unfortunately, it came at the worst time as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> picked off the pass and won the game. </p>



<h2>The Bucs might actually miss the playoffs</h2>



<p>Slated as a Super Bowl contender prior to the start of the season, <strong>the Bucs might miss the playoffs altogether</strong>. They are 7-8, trailing the Panthers (8-7), and lost to them directly. It’s a tough situation. Still, according the <a href="https://www.nfl.com/standings/playoff-picture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL Next Gen Stats</a>, the Bucs still have a 59% of probabilities to win the game.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Baker Mayfield miscommunication with Evans.<br><br>Mike Evans might have ran the wrong route on this interception, ball game. Panthers win 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/BIyqNymF6b">pic.twitter.com/BIyqNymF6b</a></p>— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMHighlights1/status/2002846561689391288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The reason for that percentage is simple. There is one game still to be played between Panthers and Bucs, which should tie the series if the Bucs win it. Also that game is at home. The other reason is the Week 17 matchups of both Panthers and Bucs. <strong>The Panthers face the Seahawks, who are legit contenders, while the Bucs face the already eliminated Dolphins</strong>, who have a really below-par defense.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/are-bucs-panthers-eliminated-from-2026-nfl-playoffs-after-loss-to-bucs-panthers-in-week-16"></div>


<h2>The Bucs need to be flawless</h2>



<p>While it’s almost presumable that the Panthers will lose to the Seahawks, <strong>none of that will matter if Tampa Bay doesn’t win out</strong>. Tampa must avoid mistakes and Baker Mayfield has to find his footing once again.</p>



<p>Not going to the playoffs would be a massive underachievement for this team. <strong>It might actually put head coach Todd Bowles in the hot seat</strong>. The team and talent is too big to miss the playoffs in one of the worst divisions in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>.</p>

Baker Mayfield breaks silence on Mike Evans’ role in interception that sealed Bucs’ loss to Panthers

Baker Mayfield breaks silence on Mike Evans' role in interception that sealed Bucs' loss to Panthers - Bolavip US

<p>The <strong>NFC South</strong> is one of several divisions still up in the air at this stage of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season, and after the result of the game between the <strong>Carolina Panthers</strong> and <strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong>, the race has become even tighter.</p>



<p>The Panthers’ narrow victory, <strong>following a crucial error by Baker Mayfield at the end of the game</strong>, moves them to an 8-7 record, making them the sole leaders of the division with two games remaining.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the Buccaneers missed a key opportunity to take the top spot and will now need a win in Week 17, setting up a season-deciding home game in the final week—right against Carolina.</p>



<p>After the 23-20 home victory, <strong>the Panthers’ chances of making the playoffs rose to 43%,</strong> while the Bucs’ dropped sharply to 57%, according to the <em><a href="https://www.nfl.com/standings/playoff-picture">NFL’s official site.</a></em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251221_BUS_549294_carolina-panthers_4c235ad2.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Carolina Panthers" class="wp-image-549328"></figure><figcaption>Christian Rozeboom #56 and Chau Smith-Wade #26 of the Carolina Panthers.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Panthers’ road to the end of the season</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a> are entering the final stretch of their 2025 season with two critical matchups remaining. They will first host the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium next Sunday, December 28, before traveling to Florida for the season finale against the Bucs. With the NFC South race still tight, <strong>these games will define whether the Panthers can secure a postseason berth or a winning record.</strong></p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/stats-prove-bryce-young-has-been-better-than-the-eye-test-shows"></div>


<h2>What’s left for the Bucs at season’s end?</h2>



<p>The Bucs will finish their 2025 regular season with two high-stakes matchups. They travel to South Florida next Sunday, December 28, to face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, before returning home to Raymond James Stadium for the divisional clash against the Panthers. <strong>These games will be decisive as the Bucs fight to secure their fifth consecutive NFC South title.</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251221_BUS_549294_tampa-bay-buccaneers_a687cd9b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Tampa Bay Buccaneers" class="wp-image-549325"></figure><figcaption>Dan Feeney #65 and Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>NFC South standings before Week 17</h2>



<p>After the final result in the game between the Bucs and Panthers, the only certainty in the division at this point is that <strong>both the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are out of playoff contention.</strong></p>



<ul><li>Carolina Panthers (8-7)</li><li>Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)</li><li>Atlanta Falcons (5-9)</li><li>New Orleans Saints (5-10)</li></ul>

NFC South standings and playoff picture updated after Panthers-Bucs in 2025 NFL Week 16

NFC South standings and playoff picture updated after Panthers-Bucs in 2025 NFL Week 16 - Bolavip US

<p>The <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a></strong> and the <strong>Carolina Panthers</strong> played one of the closest games in Week 16 of the <strong>NFL</strong> season. Now that the final whistle has been blown, we can take a look to the playoff scenarios for both NFC South teams.</p>



<p><strong>With the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> win, the division is closer than ever</strong>. The Panthers are first in the division with an 8-7 record, meaning the playoffs are closer for them. The Bucs (7-8) are now playing catch up with another game between these two coming in Week 18.</p>



<p>For the Panthers, Week 17 is a tough game against one of the best teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> as they host the Seahawks. For the Buccaneers, they take a small road trip to Miami to face the Dolphins in what should be a very winnable game. Still, <strong>both teams are still mathematically alive to go into the NFL playoffs.</strong></p>



<h2>Dave Canales deserves big props regardless</h2>



<p>Dave Canales was appointed the Carolina Panthers head coach a year ago and his first season saw him find the team’s footing in the last few weeks. Still, <strong>no one predicted this team to be even close to the .500 mark</strong>, let alone fight for a playoffs spot. Canales has installed a culture change and has made <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bryce-young" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryce Young</a> a competent quarterback by establishing a proper run game.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251221_BUS_549344_Dave-Canales-1_5758dee2.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Dave Canales" class="wp-image-236167" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales </figcaption></figure>



<p>Being a head coach is not an easy job, especially when it’s your first gig in that position and there are so many things to fix. Canales had to deal with a bust-looking first-overall pick, losing culture, complicated ownership, lack of talent, and a somewhat competitive division. A year later, <strong>they are fighting for a playoff spot until the very end of the season.</strong></p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/panthers-ot-shares-feelings-on-facing-former-teammate-baker-mayfield"></div>


<h2>The Buccaneers need to start playing better offense</h2>



<p>With the plethora of weapons the Bucs offense has, <strong>it’s incredibly hard to believe how inconsistent the unit is</strong>. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/baker-mayfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> is an above-average quarterback with elite weapons all around. However, they haven’t been able to move the chains freely.</p>



<p>The fact that the unit hasn’t been playing together all season might be the reason why. After all, <strong>injuries have sidelined, one, two and even three names at a time</strong>. However, it’s crunch time. If they don’t heat up, they might not go to the playoffs.</p>

Are Bucs eliminated from 2026 NFL playoffs after loss to Panthers in Week 16?

Are Bucs eliminated from 2026 NFL playoffs after loss to Panthers in Week 16? - Bolavip US

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