At a Glance
- The Panthers vs Buccaneers game could crown the NFC South champion and secure a playoff berth for the Panthers.
- The 49ers vs Seahawks matchup will decide the NFC West title and the conference’s No.1 seed.
- Both games air on ABC and ESPN and can be streamed via ESPN.com, the ESPN app, or NFL+.
- Why it matters: The outcomes set the playoff landscape and determine home-field advantage for the postseason.
The final week of the NFL regular season opens with a doubleheader that could crown two division champions and decide the top seed in each conference. The games feature the 8-8 Panthers facing the 7-9 Buccaneers in Tampa, and the 12-4 49ers hosting the 13-3 Seahawks in San Francisco.
Panthers vs Buccaneers – NFC South showdown
The Panthers can clinch their first NFC South title since 2015 and a playoff spot for the first time since 2017 with a win or tie. The Buccaneers must win and then hope the Saints beat the Falcons to avoid a three-way tie that would give the Panthers the tiebreaker.
- Panthers record: 8-8
- Buccaneers record: 7-9
- Key scenario: If the Buccaneers win and the Falcons beat the Saints, the Panthers win the division on tiebreaker.
Seahawks vs 49ers – NFC West and No.1 seed on the line
The 49ers need a victory to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. A loss would drop them to the fifth or sixth seed depending on the Rams’ result against the Cardinals. The Seahawks would clinch the division with a win or tie.
| Game | Time (ET) | Time (CT) | Time (PT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers vs Buccaneers | 4:30 | 3:30 | 1:30 |
| Seahawks vs 49ers | 8:00 | 7:00 | 5:00 |
Both games air on ABC and ESPN and can be streamed on ESPN.com, the ESPN app, or NFL+.
Key Takeaways
- The Panthers’ win could secure their first NFC South title in eight years.
- The 49ers must win to lock the No.1 seed and home-field advantage.
- Both games will shape the playoff field and determine postseason matchups.
The doubleheader sets the stage for a dramatic finish to the regular season, with division titles and the top seed on the line.
