Game update (Sunday afternoon): The New Orleans Saints did everything they could to play spoiler, but thanks to the Buccaneers' come-from-behind win on Sunday, they won the NFC South.
The Atlanta Falcons were eliminated.
Depending on the outcome of Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay could finish as the No. 3 seed. If the Rams win or tie, they will be the 3rd seed and the Buccaneers will be the 4th seed.
However, if the Rams, with Jimmy Garoppolo starting, lose to Seattle, the Buccaneers will become the No. 3 seed.
Both tampa bay buccaneers and atlanta falcons The final Sunday of the 2024 NFL regular season is on the line for a chance to win the NFC South.
The Falcons dominated the season series between the two teams, giving them a decisive advantage in the tiebreaker, but the Buccaneers are ahead of the game in the standings and head into Sunday in control of their own destiny.
Here's how Tampa Bay can win the NFC South and clinch the conference's final playoff spot on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC South Championship Scenario
Things are pretty easy for the Buccaneers. With a win or a draw, new orleans saints In the final game of the season, they will be NFC South champions.
However, even if they lose to the Saints, if the Falcons lose or tie, they will win the division. carolina panthers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC Seed Scenario
The Falcons can only participate in the playoffs as the fourth seed, but Tampa Bay can move up to the third seed. Victory over the Saints Los Angeles Rams loss to seattle seahawksBased on NFC records, the Buccaneers are the No. 3 seed and the Rams fall to the No. 4 seed.
Not only will the No. 3 seed host the No. 6 seed (either Washington or Green Bay), but the No. 4 seed will face the loser of Sunday night's game. detroit lions and minnesota vikings. That makes the No. 3 seed an attractive option.
However, if the Rams win or tie and the Buccaneers lose or tie (and still win the division), the Buccaneers will be the 4th seed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers elimination scenario
The Buccaneers would lose to the Saints, and if the Falcons beat the Panthers, they would be eliminated from playoff contention.
NFC standings entering Week 18
1.×-detroit lions (14-2, victory over MIN)
2.y-philadelphia eagles (13-3)
3. Yes-Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
4. tampa bay buccaneers (9-7)
5.×-minnesota vikings (14-2, lost to DET)
6.×-commander of washington (11-5, 8-3 NFC)
7.×-green bay packers (11-5, 6-5 NFC)
8. seattle seahawks (9-7) — Eliminated
9. atlanta falcons (8-8)
10. dallas cowboys (7-9, 5-6 NFC) — Lost
11. arizona cardinals (7-9, 3-8 NFC) — Lost
12. san francisco 49ers (6-9, win over DAL) — Eliminated
13. new orleans saints (5-11) — Eliminated
14. chicago bears (4-11, win over CAR) — Eliminated
15. carolina panthers (4-12, lost to CHI) — Eliminated
16. new york giants (3-13) — Eliminated
Teams marked with an asterisk
excluded from division competition
Teams marked with (x) have qualified for the playoffs
The team marked with (y) won the division
