The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still control their playoff hopes despite losing for the sixth time in seven games. Two victories in the final two games will give them a fifth straight division title. The Bucs (7-8) could even lose at Miami and still win the NFC South by beating Carolina (8-7) in Week 18 if the Panthers lose to Seattle (12-3).

Panthers find themselves in NFC South playoff position they haven't been in in 10 years originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. No one saw this coming. The Carolina Panthers are in first place in the NFC South Division with two weeks to play.

Parity has run wild in the NFL in 2025 and while any team in playoff contention can conceivably win the Super Bowl, the postseason picture and who will land where in the standings is growing clearer with every week.

Panthers HC Dave Canales talked about how he and his players are feeling after their huge Week 16 win over the Bucs.