The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are desperate to get back in the win column after a tough Thursday Night Football loss to the Atlanta Falcons, in which they blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Fortunately for Tampa Bay, the Carolina Panthers also lost last week, blowing a 10-point lead to the New Orleans Saints. Those losses put both teams at 7-7 heading into their crucial Sunday matchup in North Carolina.
This game could be the most pivotal of the Buccaneersâ season so far. The winner will claim a one-game lead in the NFC South, and with the NFC loaded with strong wildcard contendersâcurrently, the 7th-seeded Green Bay Packers sit at 9-4âthe Buccaneersâ only path to the playoffs will more than likely be winning the division.
A win on Sunday would give Tampa Bay a major boost in their playoff chances. According to NFL.com, the Buccaneers currently have an 81% chance of making the postseason. A loss this Sunday would drop that probability to 60%, while a win would skyrocket their chances to 96%.
GettyThe Bucs playoff odds boost to 96% with a win, per NFL.com
How Tampa Bay Can Come Out With A Win
The Buccaneers could consider more of a run-heavy offense on Sunday, as the Panthers allow more than 115 yards per game through the run.
“The Bucs need to pound the rock against the Panthers’ defense to be able to run their offense effectively. Carolinaâs defense has allowed 117 rushing yards per game and has allowed teams to score 17 times on the ground. With Bucky Irving back to full strength and the offense with all its weapons back, things should be there for the Bucs to take advantage of on the ground,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s JC Allen.
In the passing attack, a big game from star wide receiver Mike Evans would be a huge boost for Tampa Bay. Evans is coming off a 132-yard performance in the loss to the Falcons, and if he can replicate that production, it could make a major difference for the Buccaneers.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tampa Bay will look to pressure quarterback Bryce Young.
“The Bucs’ front four hasnât been good as of late. In fact, it hasnât really been good all season. Thatâs going to need to change against the Panthers. Jason Pierre-Paul will likely make a season debut, hopefully giving the past rush some juice. If the Bucs can slow down Carolina’s rushing attack and force the ball into Youngâs hands, theyâll need to take advantage,” wrote Allen.
GettyWR Mike Evans.
Watch Out For Rookie Star Power
Both Tampa Bayâs Emeka Egbuka and Carolinaâs Tetairoa McMillan have enjoyed impressive rookie campaigns in their first NFL seasons as wide receivers. Expect both young talents to make a significant impact on Sunday.
“Two receivers selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft are making significant contributions for their respective teams and the pair will go head-to-head on Sunday: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka and the Carolina Panthers’ Tetairoa McMillan. This game could greatly impact Offensive Rookie of the Year voting,” wrote Brianna Dix of Buccanners.com.
GettyWR Emeka Egbuka.
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