playBaker Mayfield: Pulling for the Saints on Sunday (0:55)Baker Mayfield joins Peter Schrager postgame as the Buccaneers survive the Panthers with a 16-14 win and keep playoff hopes alive. (0:55)David Newton and Jenna LaineJan 3, 2026, 07:42 PM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTAMPA, Fla. -- Weird. That was the way many members of the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers described having to pull for different division rivals on Sunday for their team to win the NFC South title and a trip to the playoffs. Carolina's bid to win its first division title since 2015 -- and first playoff berth since 2017 -- was put on hold Saturday night with a 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers at rain-soaked Raymond James Stadium. Now, the Panthers need the favored Atlanta Falcons (7-9) to defeat the New Orleans Saints in a 1 p. m.
