The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off back-to-back losses and are somehow still in control of their own destiny thanks to some help from the New Orleans Saints. They lost in devastating fashion to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, but can’t dwell on that as they head to Carolina to play the Panthers with the division lead on the line.

The Panthers, led by head coach Dave Canales, have been fighting all season long, and quarterback Bryce Young is looking the part of a franchise leader. In the process, they have established the run, and their defense is making splash plays when they need them. As for the Bucs, they come into this game limping and have fallen apart over the last two weeks. Thankfully for them, the Panthers have stumbled as well, but they do have a win over the Rams, while the Bucs could not find any footing against them.

Something has to give in Week 16, so we will preview the matchup now.

Where to watch/listen to Bucs vs. PanthersGame time: 1:00 p.m. EST/Noon CSTTV Channel: FOXTampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 statsOffensive yards per game: 331.9Defensive yards allowed per game: 364.6Points scored per game: 23.4Points allowed per game: 25.3Offensive yards per game: 325.1Defensive yards allowed per game: 341.9Points scored per game: 18.9Points allowed per game: 22.6Head coaching matchup

Bucs

Todd Bowles (60-71, in his fourth season with the team)

Panthers

Dave Canales (12-19, in his second season with the team)Notable free agent signings

Notable Bucs free-agent signings

Haason Reddick, edge rusherRiley Dixon, punterCharlie Heck, offensive tackleKindle Vildor, cornerbackTeddy Bridgewater, quarterback

Notable Panthers free-agent signings

Trevon Moehrig, Defensive BackTerShawn Wharton, Defensive LinemanRico Dowdle, Running BackBobby Brown, Defensive LinemanSam Martin, PunterTampa Bay Buccaneers rookies to watchTez Johnson, Wide ReceiverEmeka Egbuka, Wide ReceiverBenjamin Morrison, CornerbackJacob Parrish, CornerbackElijah Roberts, Defensive Line