A win by the Panthers over the Bucs on Saturday clinches the NFC South. If the Bucs win, the Falcons-Saints game on Sunday comes into play.

NFL insiders speculated that Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles could be in danger of being fired if Tampa Bay loses to Carolina this weekend.

They don’t deserve to win the NFC South after losing four straight, seven of eight and eight of 10. But a victory over the Carolina Panthers (8-8) on Saturday coupled with a loss or tie by Atlanta against the Saints on Sunday would give the Buccaneers (7-9) their fifth straight division title and second with a losing record.

It was a disappointing performance for the Buccaneers, something wideout Mike Evans didn't sugarcoat after the game. Evans told reporters the team "didn't deserve [a win]" in Week 17, adding that the Bucs played like a team that didn't want to be there, per NFL.com.

The NFC South is still up for grabs heading into the final week of the season, and while the New Orleans Saints can’t win the division, they can certainly affect it.

The Atlanta Falcons have released a new depth chart ahead of their Week 18 matchup versus the New Orleans Saints. After upsetting the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, the Falcons have a chance to close out the 2025 NFL season with a win over their rivals at home.

USA Today's NFL experts make their picks for a Week 18 showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers