The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive in Charlotte reeling. The Bucs have dropped five of their last six, including a crushing Week 15 collapse in which they blew a two‑touchdown fourth‑quarter lead to Atlanta, surrendering 476 yards and 27 first downs in a 29–28 loss.

Despite the skid, they remain in control of their own destiny thanks to New Orleans knocking off Carolina last week.

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Carolina, meanwhile, has been inconsistent but competitive. Under head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers have shown growth, especially on defense, and Bryce Young is looking like the franchise quarterback they drafted him to be.

Still, last week’s 20–17 loss to the Saints—after leading in the fourth quarter—was a missed opportunity to seize the division outright.

Mayfield is 4–0 against the Panthers since they released him, and he’s played some of his best football in these revenge spots.

Last week he threw for 277 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and he’ll again lean on Mike Evans, who posted 132 yards on six catches against Atlanta.

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Young is coming off a steady performance—163 yards passing, a touchdown, and 49 rushing yards—but he’ll need to be more aggressive against a Tampa Bay defense that has been vulnerable in recent weeks. His mobility could be a major factor.

Both teams want balance, establishing the running game.

Tampa Bay second-year running back Bucky Irving continues to flash, but the Bucs’ run game remains inconsistent.

Carolina’s Rico Dowdle has emerged as a reliable workhorse. The Panthers’ offense is at its best when he’s controlling the tempo.

Carolina’s defense has taken a leap this season, generating timely turnovers and limiting explosive plays. Tampa Bay’s defense, once a strength, has struggled with communication and late‑game execution. Whichever unit forces the key takeaway may decide the game.

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What to Watch For:

Can Tampa Bay avoid another late‑game meltdown?

Will Carolina’s improving defense frustrate Mayfield?

Which young playmaker—Irving or Dowdle—takes over the game?

Does Bryce Young deliver a signature divisional performance?

This isn’t just another December game—it’s effectively Round 1 of a two‑game division championship series, with a non-divisional game sandwiched in the middle. The winner walks out with control of the NFC South. The loser faces an uphill climb with only two regular-season games left after Sunday.