Sunday is one of the most significant football games to be played at Bank of America Stadium in quite some time. 

The Panthers and Buccaneers will be tied for first place in the NFC South standings when they meet. But despite having a second showdown to close the regular season, this weekend's game is a must-win game for the home team's playoff chances.

If Carolina loses, too much would have to break its way in the final two weeks. Three things would all have to happen for Tampa to be overtaken.

The Panthers would have to win consecutive games, which is a feat they haven't achieved in two months. And in addition to splitting the late-season series with the Bucs, they would have to beat the playoff-bound Seahawks.

But that's not all. If Carolina loses on Sunday, it would also need Tampa to drop a game against the lowly Miami Dolphins. Earlier this week, Miami just announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was benched in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers.

Also, there's some truth to not letting a downtrodden team regain its confidence with an energizing win. After starting 6-2, Tampa has lost five of its last six games, including back-to-back division clashes heading into this week.

Even if the Panthers win on Sunday, they aren't out of the woods yet. Because the Bucs would still own the head-to-head tiebreaker if they finish with the same record as the Panthers, Carolina would still have to beat Seattle — while Tampa loses at Miami — or earn a season sweep of Tampa.

So, it's simple. The Panthers must win this game in order to make the postseason and end the Bucs' run of four straight NFC South titles. 

The forecast for Sunday features sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s. This is weather befitting a big game with endless stories that include Panthers coach Dave Canales facing his former team and Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield returning to Charlotte.

Kickoff from Uptown Charlotte is scheduled for 1 p.m.