NFL

Takeaways From Saturday’s Week 18 Games

Both of Saturday’s games determined division winners and more.
Takeaways From Saturday’s Week 18 Games
Bryce Young (9) of the Carolina Panthers directs his teammates during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 3, 2026. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Matthew Davis
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Week 18 kicked off with two games that had division title implications and significantly different feels—and it wasn’t just the weather.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Carolina Panthers 16–14 in a soggy game for the NFC South crown. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, the Atlanta Falcons 19–17 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday nixed Tampa Bay’s win and sent the Panthers to the playoffs.

Matthew Davis
Matthew Davis
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Matthew Davis is an experienced, award-winning journalist who has covered major professional and college sports for years. His writing has appeared on Heavy, the Star Tribune, and The Catholic Spirit. He has a degree in mass communication from North Dakota State University.