It's been an up-and-down season for the Bucs, who got off to a hot start behind Baker Mayfield, but they have cooled off as the postseason draws closer. As of Week 16, Tampa Bay's playoff chances remain up in the air — but an NFC South win increasingly looks like the team's only shot.

Otherwise, the division will be decided in a winner-take-all rematch between these two teams in Week 18. The NFC South has been a bit of a mess this season, and while we probably will not see a sub-.

The Panthers defense contained the Bucs' potent passing game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield passed for 145 yards while receiver Mike Evans, often a terror against Carolina, caught five balls for just 31 yards and a score.

The Carolina Panthers (8-7) moved one step closer to the NFC South title as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 and move into first place. With the score tied at 20, Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald booted a 48-yard field goal to give Carolina the lead.

NFL Week 15 odds, picks, predictions, TV channel, streaming information for Thursday Night Football between Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers defeated Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23–20 at home on Sunday to take over first place in the NFC South.

Sunday’s outcome gave Carolina an 8-7 record and put the Bucs at 7-8 with two weeks remaining in the NFL regular season. If the Panthers beat the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay loses to the Miami Dolphins in one week, then Carolina will own the division crown and a home game in the first round of the playoffs.

RB Sean Tucker scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season.