We’ve got two Saturday NFL games to kick off Week 18, and the stakes couldn’t be higher in the NFC. The Carolina Panthers (8-8) head to Raymond James Stadium with a simple mission: win and you’re the division champs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) are fighting for their playoff lives, needing a win and some help to steal the crown.
The “Game of the Year” label gets thrown around a lot, but this Saturday night clash in Santa Clara actually deserves it. The Seattle Seahawks (13-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) are colliding for the NFC West crown—and potentially the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.
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Two massive NFC contests are on tap for the first NFL games of 2026.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
Don’t look now, but Bryce Young has quietly steadied the ship. Carolina is sitting at .500 and controls its own destiny. Young has thrown for 2,745 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, keeping mistakes relatively low (10 INTs).
- Matchup: Panthers (8-8) at Buccaneers (7-9)
- Odds: Bucs-3 (O/U 43.5)
- Date: Saturday, Jan 3, 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM ET
- TV: ABC/ESPN
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- Stakes: Winner likely takes NFC South (per Bucs.com snippet, though records are close: Panthers 8-8, Bucs 7-9, Falcons 7-9). A Bucs win ties them at 8-9, tiebreakers decide. A Panthers win (9-8) clinches.
The offense isn’t explosive—averaging just 18.6 points per game—but they grind you down. Chuba Hubbard (501 rushing yards) and the ground game will need to chew the clock against a stout Tampa run defense.
The Bucs offense is scoring 22.8 points per game, but their defense has been the issue, surrendering nearly 25 points per contest. They are 4-4 at home this year, and with their backs against the wall, we’ll see if “Dangerous Baker” or “Turnover Baker” shows up.
Here are some popular Bucs vs Panthers props on Underdog:
Panthers vs Bucs Injury Report
The Bucs are hurting in the secondary. Starting corner Jamel Dean is OUT (shoulder), which could give Tet McMillan an upper hand. Tampa is also missing Anthony Nelson (knee) on the edge. Carolina is down starting guard Robert Hunt (IR) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus. The loss of Hunt is huge for the interior protection against Vita Vea.
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Preview
Two West Coast rivals will be going at it on Saturday night!
- Matchup: Seahawks (13-3) at 49ers (12-4)
- Odds: Seahawks -2.5 (47.5)
- Date: Saturday, Jan 3, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV: ABC/ESPN
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
- Stakes: Winner takes NFC West & No. 1 Seed
Brock Purdy has gone nuclear at the perfect time. After splitting time with Mac Jones earlier in the year due to injuries, Purdy has returned to the lineup and absolutely tormented defenses. In his last three starts, he’s thrown 11 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions, eclipsing 290 yards in all three contests.
With Christian McCaffrey (1,179 rush yards, 17 total TDs) operating as the ultimate safety valve, this offense is averaging 42.3 points per game over the last three weeks.
However, the defense has continued to be a major liability, as All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner is greatly missed.
Seattle has been the class of the NFC all year, boasting the league’s No. 2 scoring defense (18.1 PPG allowed). But they are limping into this one. Starting left tackle Charles Cross is OUT, and center Olu Oluwatimi is also sidelined.
Sam Darnold (3,850 yards, 25 TDs) has been feeding breakout superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,709 yards, 10 TDs), but can he stay upright long enough to find him?
Check out some popular 49ers vs Seahawks player props on Underdog:
Seahawks vs 49ers Injury Report
It’s a war of nutrition at this point for both teams.
San Francisco 49ers
- TE George Kittle: Questionable (Ankle)
- T Trent Williams: Questionable (Hamstring)
- WR Ricky Pearsall: Questionable (Knee/Ankle)
- DL Keion White: Questionable (Groin)
- CB Upton Stout: Questionable (Concussion)
Seattle Seahawks
- LT Charles Cross: OUT (Hamstring)
- S Coby Bryant: Doubtful (Knee)
- T Josh Jones: Questionable (Ankle/Knee)
- WR/ Rashid Shaheed: CLEARED
NFL Best Bets For Saturday, January 3rd
- NFL Player Prop: Jaxson Smith-Njigba Higher Than 99.5 Receiving Yards
This is a massive number, but the 49ers’ defense has been giving up oodles of yards and points. Seattle goes as JSN does, as he leads the league in both air yard and target shares among active players. He’s a machine, and I’m not sure Robert Saleh can dial up an answer while the 49ers are lacking manpower.
- NFL Player Prop: George Kittle Higher Than 61.5 Receiving Yards
Seattle is really good on the outside, but Kittle is the perfect weapon against zone coverage. In fact, Seattle plays the 5th-most zone coverage in the NFL this season.
Good luck, and enjoy the games!
