The Carolina Panthers became the first team of the 2015 season to clinch a playoff berth when they claimed the NFC South division title Sunday by virtue of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers beat the Falcons, 23-19, to seal up the title for the Panthers, who improved to 12-0 on the season Sunday with a 41-38 over the New Orleans Saints.
It is the Panthers' third consecutive division title.