Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For our first NFC South matchup of Week 18, we have the Buccaneers going up against the Panthers. Looking at this from the Buccaneers’ side, they need a win here to make the playoffs. It has been extremely close at the top of the division for weeks, but it all comes down to this week. QB Baker Mayfield has not been good enough recently, and they are losing games because of it. If there was ever a time for him to bounce back to his early-season success, it’s now.
Carolina Panthers
On the Panthers’ side, they do not
actually have to win here to make the playoffs. Yes, a victory would confirm their playoff birth, but if they do lose, the Panthers would need the Falcons to beat the Saints. We will get more into that matchup later. For Carolina against the Bucs, they need to not let their run defense get gashed. Mayfield’s inconsistency could be attributed to the reliance on him over the run game. Taking said rushing attack away may be the key for Carolina.
Atlanta Falcons
Onto our second NFC South Matchup, which is also significant. At face value, it may look like just a rivalry between two non-playoff teams, but there is much more. If the Bucs win on Sunday, they need the Falcons to win as well so they can make the playoffs. It’s never fun to help another NFC South team out, but might as well do it with a win. The Falcons also have nothing to lose due to not having a first-round pick.
New Orleans Saints
Now, for the Saints, they have a chance to get a win over their biggest rival, win 5 games in a row to end the season, and put the final touch on QB Tyler Shough’s ROTY case. Having all this momentum heading into next season will do wonders for this team’s future success, so a win here is crucial. There is even a chance the Saints could finish second in the division. For that to happen, the Panthers would need to win, and of course, the Saints would also need to beat the Falcons.
Current NFC South Standings
- Panthers (8-8)
- Buccaneers (7-9)
- Falcons (7-9)
- Saints (6-10)
