Midway through the third quarter during the Panthers’ 16-14 Week 18 loss against the Buccaneers on Saturday, a highly controversial offensive pass interference penalty was dished out against Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Despite what could be a season-ending result, the Panthers came away from their Week 18 loss (and their 2025 campaign) with a few big wins.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters Week 18 on a 53-37 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. Anybody following its NFL betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.

Conditions were far from ideal but typical for Florida, with steady rain falling throughout the game in Tampa and clearly affecting play. Tampa Bay struck first in the opening quarter. Baker Mayfield threw from the pocket and connected with Cade Otton across the middle for a touchdown,

Canales' "aggressive" attempt came when the Panthers, down 16-7 in the fourth quarter, needed a score. Instead, it resulted in a fumble and probably erased at least three points in what was ultimately a two-point win for the Bucs.

There have been a few occasions when a losing team has made the postseason, and 2025 is one of them. Which teams hold the dubious distinction of being sub-.500 playoff squads?

Buccaneers edge Panthers in heavy rainstorm, now turn their attention to rooting the Saints to victory over Falcons