"They've done everything they can to not get in": Jason Kelce torches Bryce Young's Panthers for leaning on final week to win NFC South

The Carolina Panthers are on the verge of advancing to the 2025 NFL playoffs as division champions, while dethroning the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ending their four-year reign in the NFC South. Despite losing to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, they enter Week 18 with a big chance to play more January football.

Philadelphia Eagles icon Jason Kelce reflected on the Panthers' season during the latest episode of "New Heights." The retired center noted that despite having chances of drifting away from their competition, Dave Canales' team shot itself in the foot repeatedly during the season.

"Well, they've done everything they can to not get in," Kelce said. "They've lost twice to the Saints, right? Like it's the the fact that this. Conference, this division is still up for grabs. Is bonkers. The bucks, who I love? I mean, the bucks are my favorite team coming into the season, and they have fallen off a cliff... "Panthers have had every opportunity the last few weeks to clinch this thing, not even playing like top opponents in a lot of this stuff. And they they just refuse to clinch it. It's nuts. It is crazy."

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The NFC South has been the most inconsistent division in the entire NFL, and fittingly, the season finale will define this year's champions. Carolina faces a positive scenario compared to the Bucs.

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How can the Carolina Panthers advance to the playoffs in Week 18?

Bryce Young and Co. only need to win on Saturday to secure their playoff berth. Additionally, even with a loss to the Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons could help them win the division with a win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

If that's the case, Carolina would have the advantage with a 3-1 record against the Buccaneers and Falcons. Tampa Bay would be 2-2, while the Falcons would be 1-3. The Bucs need to win and wait for a Saints win to win the division.

Just like Young and Co., the Buccaneers have blown multiple opportunities to secure the division. They will clash on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium.

Edited by Orlando Silva