The Falcons spoil the Buccaneers control of their own destiny in 2025

With the NFC South on the line in Week 18, the NFL wants to make sure that everyone is able to see it, regardless of where they are in the country. That is why they flexed the game to kickoff the week with the first game on Saturday's Week 18 slate.

However, after the Atlanta Falcons win on Monday Night to close out Week 17, the game may no longer matter for the Bucs if they win.

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The playoff scenarios for the Panthers to win the NFC South now comes down to the result of not just their matchup with the Bucs, but also the Falcons game against the New Orleans Saints. Fox Sports' Greg Auman lays out the new scenario facing the teams in the NFC South.

In Week 16, the Bucs lost to the Panthers by a score of 23-20, with the score not necessarily reflecting how far apart the two teams appeared on the field. Baker Mayfield and the offense struggled at times, with the defense not being able to really put a damper on the Panthers' offense, specifically their run game in key situations.

The Falcons previously beat the Saints by a score of 24-10, but this New Orleans team is also charging up the ranks right now. The Saints have won their last four games so they are not the same team the Falcons faced in November.

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So, with that table set, in a gross twist of fate, Bucs fans will have to root for the Saints on Sunday if the Saints defeat the Panthers in Week 18.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The Falcons spoil the Bucs control of their own destiny in 2025