Panthers clinch NFC South despite Week 18 loss

The Carolina Panthers are back on top of the NFC South.

Despite a 16–14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, the Panthers clinched the division title on Sunday thanks to an Atlanta Falcons win over the New Orleans Saints. That result created a three-way tie atop the NFC South, a scenario that ultimately favored Carolina via head-to-head tiebreakers.

As a result, the Panthers finish the regular season as NFC South champions and will enter the playoffs as the No. 4 seed, hosting a wild-card game next weekend.

Panthers’ first winning season since 2017

Carolina’s path to the postseason was unconventional, but effective. The Panthers went 3–1 in combined head-to-head matchups against Tampa Bay and Atlanta, giving them the edge once all three teams finished with identical records. That tiebreaker proved decisive after Saturday’s loss in Tampa.

For the Panthers, the division title marks a major milestone. It is their first NFC South crown in nearly a decade and validates a season defined by resilience and timely wins, including their crucial victory over the Buccaneers just two weeks ago. It’s their first winning season since 2017 and first NFC South title since their 2015 Super Bowl run.

While Saturday’s offensive struggles raised questions heading into the postseason, the Panthers will have the benefit of hosting a playoff game at home, where momentum can quickly swing.

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are eliminated despite their Week 18 win, falling just short after relying on help that never came.

The Panthers now turn the page to the playoffs, where they’ll look to capitalize on a second chance and defend their home turf in the wild-card round.

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