It’s already been a big week for the NFC playoff standings, and the Buccaneers haven’t even taken the field.
On Thursday night, we were treated to an incredible NFC West showdown with the Seahawks edging past the Rams to take over the top spot in the division and the top seed in the NFC — for now, at least. The Eagles beat the Commanders on Saturday, clinching the NFC East and crushing the rival Dallas Cowboys’ postseason hopes, eliminating them from contention. And in Saturday’s final game, an NFC North clash between the Bears and Packers, the Bears came out on top, sliding up to the No. 2 spot in the NFC before Sunday’s games kick off.
The Panthers matchup was crucial for Tampa Bay, and the loss — especially how it ended, with a Baker Mayfield interception — definitely hurts. The Buccaneers will take on the Dolphins in Miami in Week 17, and they’ll wrap the season with a rematch against the Panthers in Tampa Bay.
The Panthers will face the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off of a Thursday night win over the Rams that moved them up to the top spot in the NFC West and the overall NFC playoff picture, in Charlotte in Week 17. The Seahawks — on paper, at least — are a tougher matchup than the 6-9 Dolphins. It is possible for the Bucs to win out and take the division, but it very well may come down to that Week 18 rematch with Carolina.
Here’s where the Bucs stand after the late afternoon Sunday slate of games.
Current NFC playoff picture
NFC teams eliminated from playoff contention