Entering the 2024 NFL season, many expected the NFC South to be one of the tighter division races. That expectation has come to fruition, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons see-sawing control of the division throughout the season.
After Week 18, the division has finally been decided, and it came down to the wire.
What Is the Current NFC South Playoff Picture?
After Week 18, here are the standings for the NFC South:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
- Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
- New Orleans Saints (5-12)
- Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Tampa Bay re-took first place last week thanks to their win over the Panthers and the Falcons’ overtime loss to the Washington Commanders. Then, in Week 18, the Bucs defeated the Saints, 27-19, to clinch the division for the fourth straight season.
Even if Tampa Bay had lost to New Orleans, the Bucs would have won the division since the Falcons dropped their final game against the Panthers, 44-38, in overtime.
What Seed Will the Buccaneers Be In the Playoffs?
The Buccaneers were initially the No. 4 seed after their win over New Orleans. However, because the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Tampa Bay climbed to the No. 3 seed, and the Rams dropped to the No. 4 seed.
Rams head coach Sean McVay recently said he didn’t care about seeding, which is why he chose to rest his stars in Week 18, including Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Kyren Williams.
Still, this feels like a win for the Bucs, who will now host the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card Round rather than having to face the loser of tonight’s Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings clash on Sunday Night Football.
The Bucs defeated the Commanders in Week 1 of this season.