Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers Recap

NFL Recap: Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers – Week 18

The Carolina Panthers faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The game ended with the Buccaneers winning 16-14. This marked the final game of Week 18 in the 2025 NFL season.

In this game, Cade Otton stood out for the Buccaneers. He gained 94 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Bryce Young led the Panthers with 264 passing yards and two touchdowns. Despite the Panthers’ efforts, they could not overcome the Buccaneers’ lead.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 16 points to win against the Carolina Panthers, who had 14 points. In the first quarter, the Buccaneers took an early lead with 10 points. They added another three points in the second quarter. In the fourth quarter, they scored another field goal. The Panthers scored a touchdown in the second quarter. They scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter. However, it was not enough to catch up with the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers had more total yards and first downs, which helped them secure the win.

Bryce Young was a key player for the Carolina Panthers. He threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a tough game, Young’s performance kept the Panthers in the game.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cade Otton stood out. The tight end had 94 receiving yards and a touchdown. Otton’s efforts were crucial in securing the win for Tampa Bay.

Baker Mayfield also played well for the Buccaneers. He passed for 203 yards and added a rushing component with 31 yards. Mayfield’s contributions helped control the game’s pace.

What’s Next

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their season with a win over the Carolina Panthers, improving their record to 7-9. This result places the Buccaneers in the second spot in the NFC South. The Panthers, with an 8-8 record, hold the top position in the same division. Despite the loss, the Panthers remain ahead based on their overall season performance. In head-to-head matchups, the Panthers and Buccaneers faced each other twice this season. The Panthers won the first game with a score of 23-20, while the Buccaneers took the second game with a 16-14 victory. Both games were close, showing a tight contest between these division rivals.

The Carolina Panthers have finished their regular season. They played their final game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fans will have to wait for the next season to see the Panthers back in action.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also completed their regular season. Their last game was against the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers now look forward to the next season for more games.


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