Panthers clinch NFC South after Falcons loss to Buccaneers

The Carolina Panthers clinched the NFC South title after the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 on Sunday.

Carolina remains the NFL's lone unbeaten team at 11-0 and required an Atlanta loss or tie to clinch the division prior to its own game.

The Panthers also could've secured the division later in the day with a victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Carolina remains the team to beat in the NFC South with its third consecutive divisional title.

Cam Newton is a leading MVP contender, while resolute performances from the entire defense set the Panthers up for Super Bowl contention.