While a .500 or slightly worse team making the playoff is unusual, it has happened a few times in NFL history. Somewhat surprisingly, limping into the postseason with a less-than-impressive record hasn't spelled automatic doom for those who have made the tournament.

The Buccaneers will hit the road in Week 16 to play Carolina with first place in the NFC South at stake, as one of two meetings with the Panthers in the final three weeks of the regular season

The 2025 season marks the third time since realignment in 2002, also in 2014 and 2021, that no playoff berths have been clinched entering Week 15.

After Thursday night’s collapse at home against the Falcons, the Bucs have surrendered first place in the NFC South for the first time all season. If the playoffs began today, Tampa Bay would be left sitting at home.

Huge postseason implications permeate Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season. Starting with Thursday's meeting between rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Atlanta Falcons, thus surrendering the inside track toward an NFC South crown to the Carolina Panthers.

Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts Sr., and Zane Gonzalez kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired to complete the Atlanta Falcons' rally for a 29-28 victory victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.