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.

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

When tackle Tristan Wirfs learned the Panthers lost to the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, he was grateful it moved the Bucs back into a tie for first place in the NFC South. However, a switch in the standings doesn’t change the fact the Bucs have lost five of their last six games and aren’t playing good football.

Buccaneers reveal biggest hurdle in claiming NFC South originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in freefall, losing five of their last six games, and the latest, to the Atlanta Falcons, saw Todd Bowles' team up 28-14 in the fourth quarter.

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

The Carolina Panthers blew a golden opportunity to win the NFC South. Had they just beaten the lowly New Orleans Saints last week, this week's home bout with th

The Carolina Panthers are still learning how to handle success. While the Panthers have thrived in the underdog role this season with wins over Green Bay and the Los Angeles Rams, they continue to struggle winning the games they’re supposed to win.