Just ahead of the final matchup with the Dolphins, the NFL announces its decision on the punishment following the incident involving Drake Maye

Tampa, Florida – Just hours remain before the decisive regular-season finale of the 2025 NFL season in the NFC South: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST. This is a dramatic win-and-in showdown — the winner punches a playoff ticket (with certain tiebreaker scenarios involving the Falcons). The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–9) are mired in a severe downturn, losing seven of their last eight games since the bye week, most recently a 20–17 defeat to the Dolphins. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has struggled with turnovers (multiple recent interceptions), and the offense has lacked consistency despite weapons like Mike Evans. The defense has also been vulnerable against the run. Tampa Bay must win to keep hopes alive for a fifth straight division title, but current form has fueled widespread doubt. The Carolina Panthers (8–8) are coming off a lopsided 27–10 loss to the Seahawks, yet still sit atop the NFC South thanks to stronger recent results — including a 23–20 win over the Buccaneers in Week 16. Quarterback Bryce Young has flashed upside but remains inconsistent, while the offense leans heavily on a powerful run game. Carolina aims to end a playoff drought dating back to 2017 and capture its first division title since 2015. 📺 TELEVISION BROADCAST Nationwide/Local: Live on ESPN • ABC • ESPN DEPORTESAnnouncers: Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Dan Orlovsky & Louis Riddick (analysts), Katie George & Peter Schrager (sideline) 💻 LIVE STREAMING Nationwide: ESPN+, NFL+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV (ABC/ESPN available – free trials available)In-Market: Free on the Buccaneers App or Panthers App in local marketsOut-of-Market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube / YouTube TV 🎧 RADIO BROADCAST Tampa Bay: 98ROCK – Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (analyst)Carolina: Panthers Radio NetworkNationwide/International: SiriusXM, TuneIn Premium, NFL App 📅 GAME DETAILS Kickoff: Saturday, January 3, 2026 – 4:30 PM ESTVenue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FloridaWeather Forecast (latest): Temperatures around 14–23°C (58–74°F), mostly cloudy to rainy (100% chance, ~3mm rainfall), strong winds with gusts up to 63 km/h (39 mph) — humid, windy, and wet conditions that could impact the passing game and ball grip.Gates Open: Approximately 2–3 hours before kickoffTickets: Available on Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub (starting around $100+, depending on section) 🔑 KEY STORYLINES Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–9): Must rebound from a brutal losing stretch. Baker Mayfield needs to cut down turnovers and capitalize on home-field advantage. A win is mandatory to keep playoff hopes alive.Carolina Panthers (8–8): Seeking a major spoiler moment and full control of their destiny. Bryce Young and a strong run game could exploit Tampa Bay’s defensive weaknesses.Head-to-Head: Panthers won the first meeting 23–20 two weeks ago and are aiming for a season sweep. ⚠️ GAME SIGNIFICANCE This matchup all but determines the NFC South champion and playoff entrant (with potential tiebreakers involving the Falcons). Despite home-field advantage, the Buccaneers enter as slight underdogs due to poor form; the Panthers carry more confidence thanks to recent momentum. 📱 FOLLOW THE GAME Live Updates: Buccaneers.com, Panthers.com, NFL AppSocial Media: @Buccaneers · @PanthersHighlights & Stats: NFL+ and team apps Will the Buccaneers or Panthers claim the NFC playoff berth? A tense, weather-soaked showdown awaits at Raymond James Stadium. 🏈🌧️