The NFC playoff race continues to be red-hot. The top of the conference remains set with the Los Angeles Rams, and the Rams clinched the conference's first official playoff berth.

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.

The injury bug keeps hitting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And now, another injury has come as the Bucs face the most important stretch of their season. Bucs co

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.

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

Panthers rookie linebacker Lathan Ransom made a huge mistake on Sunday with nine seconds left when he hit a sliding Tyler Shough on the quarterback's final carry of regulation. That drew a penalty that moved the Saints 15 yards closer to the end zone, turning a 62-yard field-goal attempt by Charlie Smyth into a 47 yarder.

While Carolina thrives, Tampa Bay faces scrutiny. One NFC South contender's postseason hopes hinge on crucial wins, with coaching futures on the line.

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