Convoluted way the Falcons could ruin the Buccaneers' playoff hopes
- - Convoluted way the Falcons could ruin the Buccaneers' playoff hopes
Nate Davis, USA TODAY December 29, 2025 at 5:58 AM
0
As if they hadn't already been a thorn in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' sides, the Atlanta Falcons have a unique opportunity to end the Bucs' four-year reign atop the NFC South.
Come again?
You're probably thinking that the Falcons (6-9) had already been eliminated from playoff contention. This is true. You're probably thinking that the Falcons had already salvaged a season split of their annual series with the Bucs after engineering a 29-28 upset in Tampa earlier this month. This is true.
You're probably thinking the winner of the Week 18 contest between the Buccaneers (7-9) and Carolina Panthers (8-8) will win the division and advance as the NFC South's only entry into the playoff field − Tampa Bay holding the pertinent common-games tiebreaker edge over Carolina.
Maybe.
their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeGhPQgsXq6Ng1blD2CNGQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c3f337bbc44f0dd99f902e2d29228c9 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
">Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeGhPQgsXq6Ng1blD2CNGQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c3f337bbc44f0dd99f902e2d29228c9 class=caas-img>
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TT2oM2YXMJa1o5DH2w6Ufg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677f39c594a84d31620582c122cca70a class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
">Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TT2oM2YXMJa1o5DH2w6Ufg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677f39c594a84d31620582c122cca70a class=caas-img>
"Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aS2oirAk5mt9j6wPx42IJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3a30b18fa97e5116121c6b97691eb4d3 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
">Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aS2oirAk5mt9j6wPx42IJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3a30b18fa97e5116121c6b97691eb4d3 class=caas-img>a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GeSzEbaRz.fpqDCpehKfuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ea9c55e0ff8d3c0cef4124211fe79ed8 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
">Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GeSzEbaRz.fpqDCpehKfuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ea9c55e0ff8d3c0cef4124211fe79ed8 class=caas-img>the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BgOsyh6FU1hUZ9JUWzDPtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d7d4c1e0279b1ffac6eb7e0dddfae709 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
">Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BgOsyh6FU1hUZ9JUWzDPtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d7d4c1e0279b1ffac6eb7e0dddfae709 class=caas-img>
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/56la2TSls8UGPl1fnusZ_g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f8b85f04ffcb38123704a83197911f65 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
">Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/56la2TSls8UGPl1fnusZ_g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f8b85f04ffcb38123704a83197911f65 class=caas-img>Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bpStb24k6.UoY2gUP0YIEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ad3fed8890f4fb81879fd0e858d43b85 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
">Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bpStb24k6.UoY2gUP0YIEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ad3fed8890f4fb81879fd0e858d43b85 class=caas-img>
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iVS54rP.I_InQtCpOctWCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/39b932830e47d58b5bf101ed5364299e class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
">Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iVS54rP.I_InQtCpOctWCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/39b932830e47d58b5bf101ed5364299e class=caas-img>
1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL seasonWeek 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
That's because the Falcons, who host the Los Angeles Rams on "Monday Night Football" in Week 17, could still interject themselves into the mix, unlikely a scenario as it is.
First, give the Falcons credit given how easy it would have been to pack it in given a once-promising season went off the rails as they lost nine of their first 13 games, inconsistency and injuries to key players − like quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London − playing major roles in undermining the Dirty Birds. Atlanta hasn't reached the playoffs since 2017. Yet they've won their past two games, starting with that unexpected victory at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 11. And what that also means is that the Falcons, Panthers and Buccaneers could all wind up with 8-9 records.
How does NFL break a three-way tie?
The league's sometimes complex procedures for sorting out ties among teams with the same record apply differently to a division than to, say, three teams from different divisions chasing a wild-card berth. In this scenario, the determining tiebreaker would be:
▶ Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
If the Panthers were to lose to the Bucs in Week 18, they'd finish with a 3-1 collective record against Atlanta and Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers would finish 2-2 in those games, while the Falcons would be 1-3 − ergo, Carolina's 8-9 record would confer it the NFC South scenario under those circumstances.
How does NFL break a two-way tie?
Again, the rules apply differently to teams in the same division versus those that might have the same record from different ones. But if the Falcons don't get to 8-9, but Carolina and Tampa Bay do, then the determining tiebreakers would be:
Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs). The Panthers and Bucs split in this scenario.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division. The Panthers and Bucs would both be 3-3 in this scenario.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games. The Panthers have a 5-7 record among common opponents, while the Bucs are 6-6 − meaning Tampa Bay would win the division if only tied with Carolina.
What do Rams have at stake in Week 17?
At this point? Not very much. The San Francisco 49ers' win Sunday night ended any hopes the Rams had of winning the NFC West or the conference's No. 1 seed. They're assured of a wild card, the only remaining question whether they'll be the No. 5 overall seed or the sixth. How does that inform how they approach the Atlanta game? TBD. However it's worth noting that the fifth-seeded team will play either at Tampa or in Charlotte for the wild-card opener. That would seem favorable, though the Panthers beat the Rams in Week 13.
Regardless, suffice it to say that Buccaneers fans will be rooting for LA on Monday and, if need be, the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.
makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img data-headline="Best images of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img>
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buccaneers' NFC South title hopes could be thwarted by Falcons
Source: “AOL Sports”
