At a Glance
- Bucs finish the season 7-9.
- Week 18 showdown with Panthers could crown them NFC South champs.
- A playoff berth is still possible despite a losing record.
- Why it matters: A postseason spot would be a rare achievement for a sub-.500 team.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed the 2025 regular season at 7-9, but a last-minute victory over the Carolina Panthers could still give them the NFC South title and a Wild Card berth. The outcome hinges on a Week 18 win and a Falcons loss.
Week 18: The Final Gamble
The Bucs face the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 3, with a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff. If Tampa Bay wins and Atlanta falters in its final two games, the Bucs would claim the division and host a Wild Card game as the No. 4 seed.
Historical Context of Losing Records
The Bucs are the most recent team to reach the playoffs with a losing record. Only four non-strike teams have ever done so:
| Year | Team | Record | Post-season Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 | Lost in Wild Card |
| 2020 | Washington Football Team | 7-9 | Lost in Wild Card |
| 2014 | Carolina Panthers | 7-8-1 | Lost in Divisional |
| 2010 | Seattle Seahawks | 7-9 | Lost in Divisional |
The 2010 Seahawks and 2014 Panthers are the only losing-record teams to win a playoff game.
What Happens If They Win
- Division title: The Bucs would secure the NFC South crown.
- Playoff berth: They would enter the postseason as the last available NFC seed.
- Historic rarity: It would be the first time a team with a sub-.500 record makes the playoffs in a non-strike season since 2010.
Key Takeaways
- Bucs finish 7-9 but still chase NFC South glory.
- Week 18 vs Panthers could deliver a playoff spot.
- Only four teams have ever made playoffs with losing records.
The outcome of Saturday’s game will decide whether the Bucs add another chapter to their playoff legacy or end a season that began with high hopes and ended in disappointment.
