Panthers, NFC South and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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NFL tiebreakers, explained: How playoff standings are determined for 2026 divisional, wild card ties
Here is more on the NFL tiebreaker process for the 2026 playoffs. The NFL has a deep set of tiebreakers for divisions that can arise from ties between two and three or more teams. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs). Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
The Saints face the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture.
The last two weeks of the regular season will feature plenty of fireworks. Here's how the playoff picture in the NFC is shaping up
One thing that's not up for grabs is the No. 1 seed in the NFC and that's because the Seahawks clinched it on Saturday night with a dominant 13-3 win over the 49ers. That means the Seahawks will get a bye in the opening round of the playoffs while the 49ers will be forced to hit the road for the wild card round.
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Seahawks Clinch NFC's No. 1 Seed and the NFC West. Buccaneers Stay Alive in Race for the NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) The NFC South champion will be decided by the two teams that aren’t in the race for the division title.
The NFL playoffs continue with the divisional-round games this weekend. But who could be facing off in the AFC and NFC championship games next week? Take a look at the NFL playoff bracket for the AFC and NFC, which doesn't have reseeding from here on out ...
The Seattle Seahawks have a lot at stake in their final game of the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers, with the No. 1 seed on the line.
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.
USA TODAY Touchdown Wire on MSN
Bucs Week 18 recap: Tampa stays alive as they defeat the Panthers
In the final game of the regular season, the Bucs will be playing for their playoff lives against the Panthers.