A historic collapse, blown leads, and a heartbreaking defeat extinguish the Buccaneers' playoff hopes. Tampa Bay's season ends not with a bang, but a whimper.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins becomes a late addition to Week 18 injury report, potentially helping Buccaneers' playoff hopes

Sunday's game between the Saints and Falcons will determine the NFC South title after the Buccaneers' beat the Panthers on Sunday.

The Atlanta Falcons have a short turnaround before their Thursday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The last time these two NFC South rivals faced off in Week 1, former Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo missed a potential game-tying field goal attempt in the fourth quarter of a 23-20 loss.

The Carolina Panthers lost 16-14 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missing a chance to clinch the NFC South. The Panthers need the Atlanta Falcons to beat the New Orleans Saints.

The Buccaneers got a crucial win and now need some help to win their fifth straight division crown and make the NFC playoffs for a sixth successive season.

The Bucs can clinch the NFC South in Week 18. We break down how that would work ahead of the 2026 NFL Playoffs.