Even after the opening game of Week 18 NFL action wrapped up, the NFC South title race remains unsettled.
Tampa Bay’s 16-14 win over the Carolina Panthers gives them the upper hand – for now. The Buccaneers could be set for their fifth NFC South crown in a row thanks to that victory in Week 18.
But there’s a chance they won and still will watch the postseason from home.
This result means the Buccaneers and Panthers have identical records. They’re both 8-9, went 3-3 in their division and went 6-6 in conference matchups. This comes down to strength of schedule.
The other two NFC South teams, Atlanta and New Orleans, face off in Week 18 as well. If the Falcons win, Tampa Bay takes the division title. If the Saints win, Carolina wins the NFC South crown.
Either way, the NFC will have a playoff team with a losing record. When was the last time that happened – and how did they fare? Here’s a look at playoff teams with losing records in NFL history:
NFL playoff teams with losing records
Only four teams in NFL history have made the playoffs with a losing record. Coincidentally, the Buccaneers and Panthers are two of the teams to do it. Here’s a look at the full history:
2010 Seattle Seahawks
Record: 7-9, NFC West champions
Playoff results: Won wild-card game 41-36 over New Orleans, lost divisional round game 35-24 to Chicago
2014 Carolina Panthers
Record: 7-8-1, NFC South champions
Playoff results: Won wild-card game 27-16 over Arizona, lost divisional round game 31-17 to Seattle
2020 Washington Football Team
Record: 7-9, NFC East champions
Playoff results: Lost wild-card game 31-23 to Tampa Bay
2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 8-9, NFC South champions
Playoff results: Lost wild-card game 31-14 to Dallas