The Panthers have an undeniably easier time knocking the four-times defending NFC South champions off of their throne if the Falcons triumph tonight. Remember, rooting for them to win doesn’t mean we’re rooting for them to look good. A win is a win, even if it comes at the “expense” of Tampa just looking plain awful on a short week.

The upset knocked the Bucs out of first place in the division and put the Carolina Panthers on top by one-half game. With its fifth loss in its past six games, including a 24-20 setback to NFC South cellar-dweller New Orleans on Sunday, Tampa Bay dropped to 7-7 for the 2025 season.

The Panthers are one of the trickiest teams to figure out in the NFC playoff race. They have beaten some high-quality competition in the Rams and Green Bay Packers but have also struggled against some of the weaker teams in the league like the New Orleans Saints.

Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn returned to full practice before the NFC South clash with the Saints in Week 15.

Carolina has a division rematch against New Orleans this week and still has both meetings remaining against Tampa Bay.

The Panthers could be able to clinch their first NFC South title in a decade by the end of Week 16. Here's how . . .

The Saints defense has been a repeat nemesis for Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. This Sunday, the stakes are as high as they’ve been for Carolina’s top 2023 draft choice as he again tries to avoid a dreadful showing against New Orleans.

New Orleans will need to again silence the Carolina rushing attack to pull off a season sweep of the Panthers. Previewing Week 15's NFC South rematch.

The Atlanta Falcons are facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 on Thursday Night Football. Follow live updates.