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The Panthers are closing in on clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2017. Here's a breakdown of Carolina's playoff picture in Week 18.
SportsLine's model reveals its Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Carolina Panthers best bets for Saturday's crucial NFC South clash
NFL referee Brad Allen provided an explanation regarding the offensive pass interference penalty on Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan during the Panthers' 16-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.
The Panthers will host the Rams in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs. The NFL has set a date and time for the postseason matchup.
The Week 18 game between the Panthers and Buccaneers will air on ESPN and ABC. You can tune in to ESPN and ABC through your cable provider, or on streaming platforms like DirecTV, Fubo and more. You can also stream the game on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited, or with NFL+ (via phone or tablet only).
The Panthers lost their final two games but backed into the playoffs after the Falcons' win over the Saints forced a three-way tie.
On Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints, which secured this year's NFC South title for the Panthers. This marks Carolina's first division championship in a decade, with their last crowning coming back in the 2015 campaign.
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales couldn’t suppress his excitement after earning a playoff berth: “I’m just so excited for Panthers fans everywhere.”