The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off their 2025 season with a promising start, winning five out of six games, suggesting a path to their fifth consecutive NFL South title. However, with a recent downturn of five losses in seven matches, their grip on first place is tenuous, especially with upcoming critical games against the Carolina Panthers.

This Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons is set for Thursday at Raymond James Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints and are currently tied for the lead with the Panthers. The winner of this game will have a significant advantage heading into the final games of the regular season.

After suffering injuries that have hindered performance, Baker Mayfield managed to throw for only 122 yards against the Saints, significantly below his earlier MVP-caliber play. Conversely, the Panthers aim to leverage recent momentum after a series of wins, including a notable victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite their struggles, the Falcons have shown potential in their defensive gameplay, and with significant talent like Bijan Robinson, they pose a real threat to the Buccaneers’ playoff aspirations. Tampa Bay’s chances of clinching the NFC South title currently stand at 75%, which could jump to 83% with a victory over the Falcons.

In contrast, the Panthers are seeking a crucial win to bolster their playoff prospects, which currently sit at 25%. Their performance this week against the Saints is critical for both teams as they jockey for a path to the postseason.

The final matchup earlier this season saw the Buccaneers edge past the Falcons in a close game, emphasizing the rivalry and high stakes involved. As the Buccaneers prepare for this critical game, the outcome will not only shape their season but could also spell the end of Atlanta’s hopes.