Tampa Bay blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in a 29-28 "Thursday Night Football" loss to Atlanta last week, with a leaky defense, a Baker Mayfield interception and an ineffective running game all playing roles. Coach Todd Bowles unloaded on his team in an uncharacteristic, explicit post-game tirade.

Learn which TV channel or how to live stream the NFL Week 16 Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, Sunday, Dec. 21.

NFL reporter Sara Walsh joins "The Insiders" to preview the critical divisional matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers with major playoff stakes on the line.

Dec 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Find out how to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers live streaming online, plus TV channel and game info for this week 16 NFL matchup.

The Panthers have not fared well against the Buccaneers of late. Since 2020, Tampa Bay is 9-1 against Carolina, including wins in their last five. That said, Tampa Bay is just 1-5 in their last 6 games after starting the season 6-2. Since Week 10, the Bucs' defense ranks T-29th in pts/game allowed (29.3) and 30th in yds/game allowed (384.0).

Carolina got their ducks in a row for the big matchup on Tuesday, with the release of their initial depth chart for Week 16. Here, without any changes from last week, are the ranks for this weekend . . .

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi as Carolina Panthers' dream scenario is unfortunately just not possible . While there are other ways for the Carolina Panthers to get the NFC South title, the simplest is to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in Week 16 and on the road in Week 18.