The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14 in a sloppy, rain-soaked Week 18 matchup at Raymond James Stadium, halting a four-game skid and keeping their NFC South title hopes alive. A late Panthers touchdown narrowed the gap, but Tampa Bay sealed the win with a crucial first-down conversion. The division champion will finish 8-9, pending Sunday's Falcons-Saints result.
Heavy rain plagued the Saturday afternoon clash between the NFC South rivals, turning the field into a slick mess that limited both offenses early. The Buccaneers struck first with a field goal and a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield to Cade Otton, building a 10-0 lead. Carolina's Christian Rozeboom intercepted Mayfield, setting up Bryce Young's 8-yard touchdown strike to Tommy Tremble, cutting the deficit to 10-7 before halftime.
Tampa Bay extended its advantage to 13-7 with another Chase McLaughlin field goal just before the break, following an interception by Jacob Parrish off Young. The third quarter passed scoreless as both teams struggled for traction. Early in the fourth, McLaughlin's third field goal pushed the lead to 16-7.
The Panthers mounted their longest drive of the game but fumbled on a botched flea-flicker near the goal line, with Rico Dowdle slipping the ball away—despite cashing a $1 million rushing incentive with just 10 yards on six carries. Tampa Bay's subsequent field goal attempt was blocked, giving Carolina new life. Young connected with rookie Tetairoa McMillan for a 40-yard gain on fourth down, then hit Jalen Coker for a touchdown, making it 16-14 with 2:27 remaining.
Mayfield escaped pressure to find Otton for a key third-down conversion at the two-minute warning, allowing the Buccaneers to run out the clock after punting. Mayfield finished 16 of 22 for 203 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while Otton had seven catches for 94 yards and a score. Bucky Irving rushed for 85 yards on 26 carries. Young went 24 of 35 for 266 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with McMillan hauling in four receptions for 85 yards.
The win improves Tampa Bay to 8-9, tying Carolina, but the Panthers claim the division if Atlanta beats New Orleans on Sunday due to tiebreakers. A Saints victory or tie hands the title to the Buccaneers, who would host the No. 4 seed playoff game.
