NFL schedule set up perfect Buccaneers, Panthers finish for NFC South standings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The NFL schedule makers like to backlog the calendar with divisional matchups. But even then, there's no guarantee that those games will have any meaning.

You never know what's gonna happen in the NFL. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who thought the Buccaneers deserved to be atop the NFC South after a rough W

And just like that, the Buccaneers are back on top of the NFC South at 7-7 with three weeks left in the season. The Panthers will host the Bucs in Week 16 with a chance to retake the division lead. The two NFC South rivals will then face off once more in Week 18.

The Carolina Panthers are in the driver's seat of the NFC South title, but their playoff hopes now hinge on Week 16.

Despite all that, the Bucs remain the betting favorites to win the division. The current betting odds have the Bucs as the -130 favorites to win the division, and the Panthers as the +110 underdogs. It’s a two-team race, as the Falcons and Saints are both mathematically eliminated.

The Buccaneers are in danger of losing the NFC South for the first time since 2020. Here's a look at their latest playoff odds and remaining schedule.

On Monday, Sterling Shepard dished on the team’s approach to the playoffs and Tristan Wirfs discussed the energy boost of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan via Thursday Night Football

The NFC South remains wide open as Tampa Bay and Carolina battle for control while Atlanta and New Orleans play spoiler.