Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers – How to Watch/Listen to NFL Week 16

Time is running out: Just two days remain before a matchup set to ignite the nation — will the Buccaneers march toward a fifth straight NFC South title, or can the Panthers pull off a stunner with everything on the line? Get ready. 🔥

Charlotte, North Carolina – The Week 16 showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers is shaping up to be a fierce battle for the NFC South crown, kicking off at 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium. This marks the first of two meetings in the final three weeks of the season, with both teams sitting at 7–7 and tied atop the division.

📺 TELEVISION BROADCAST

Nationwide/Local: Live on FOX

💻 LIVE STREAMING

• Nationwide: NFL+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV (FOX available – free trials available)

🎧 RADIO BROADCAST

• Tampa Bay: 98ROCK – Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (analyst), T.J. Rives (sideline)

📅 GAME DETAILS

• Kickoff: Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 1:00 PM EST

🔑 KEY STORYLINES

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–7):
Locked in a tight playoff race, Baker Mayfield is enjoying a strong season with over 2,999 passing yards and 22 touchdowns. The offense features Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (both limited at times due to injury), while the run game is powered by Bucky Irving and Rico Dowdle (nearing 1,000 combined rushing yards). Defensively, however, Tampa Bay must tighten up after allowing too many points in recent weeks.

Carolina Panthers (7–7):
Inconsistent results lately, but Bryce Young has shown improved stability (~2,500 yards, 19 TDs). Rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan has emerged as a breakout star (851 yards, 6 TDs), while DT Derrick Brown anchors the defense. Injury notes include LT Ikem Ekwonu and WR Tetairoa McMillan listed as limited/questionable, with David Moore potentially returning from IR.

Head-to-Head:
Tampa Bay has held the upper hand recently, winning multiple straight meetings. If the teams split the final two games, the Buccaneers would hold the tiebreaker via common opponents.

⚠️ GAME SIGNIFICANCE

A win here would give the victor sole possession of first place in the NFC South, strengthening playoff positioning (both teams currently project as potential wild cards). This game is a postseason-defining moment for a division that remains unpredictable. The teams meet again in Week 18 in Tampa.

📱 FOLLOW THE GAME

• Live Updates: Buccaneers.com, Panthers.com, NFL App

Will the Bucs or the Panthers seize the edge in the NFC South race?
This December showdown will decide everything. 🏈🔥