The Panthers still can win the NFC South, but the path to do that is much more difficult than if they'd beaten the Saints.

With a victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers would have had an opportunity to clinch their first NFC South title since 2015 in their next game. But the Panthers lost to the Saints 20-17 and will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday with the teams tied for the division lead.

UPDATED, 6:31 p.m.: Final score: Saints 20, Panthers 17. Tyler Shough’s first home victory is a famous one. The Saints are 4-10, but the vibes are good in this building for the first time in a long time. Join us for the postgame show in about 30 minutes at this link.

Tyler Shough has started six games in the National Football League as a member of the New Orleans Saints and already has made team history. That was especially

The 7-7 Carolina Panthers, with today’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, are tied again with the 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Technically, they are second in the NFC South. They have multiple paths to the NFC South title from here and are still, very barely, in control of their own destiny.

How did the Saints upset the Panthers in Week 15's final seconds? By leaning on a young quarterback who continues to deliver when it matters most.

NFL - Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints - 12/14/2025 Charlie Smyth National Football League New Orleans Saints Top Plays

The Carolina Panthers will look to stay in contention for the NFC South crown that they're competing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for when they visit a struggling New Orleans Saints team in Week 15.