The Carolina Panthers haven’t been to the playoffs since 2017. They haven’t won the NFC South since 2015. So a lot is on the line as they face their divisional foe, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season.
The first option to clinch a playoff spot is simple for Carolina. Win, and it is in. The second option is a bit more complicated.
Because the Atlanta Falcons beat the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, the Bucs have an identical record to the Falcons (7-9). If the Bucs beat the Panthers, Carolina can still get in if Atlanta beats the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. The Panthers hold the round-robin head-to-head tiebreaker (3-1) over the Bucs (2-2) and Falcons (1-3).
Truly a wild way for the NFC South to be decided!