Bucs On Cusp Of Playoff Berth In Week 17 Game Versus Panthers

By Lily Belcher

With two weeks to go before the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are narrowly favored by three points, are set to host the Carolina Panthers on New Year’s Day. If the Bucs do defeat their division rivals, they will clinch the division for the second year in a row and make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Standing in their way are the Carolina Panthers, who have won four of their last six and have clawed their way to being tied for second in the NFC South with the Saints. After firing Matt Rhule in week five, interim coach Steve Wilks has brought Carolina to 6-9 with key victories in sight heading into 2023.

If Carolina can beat Tampa Bay this week and the Saints in the final week of the regular season, they will steal their first division title from the Bucs. After a 21-3 loss against the Panthers at the end of October, the Bucs look to crush the Panthers NFC South title hopes.

The Buccaneers have held onto first in the division despite losing three of their last five with the playoffs on the horizon. But, after winning in overtime against the Cardinals on Christmas, the Buccaneers are in control of their own destiny, looking for their first back-to-back Super Bowl titles in franchise history.

“Well, we know the importance of the game. That doesn’t need to be harped on,” said Bucs coach Todd Bowles plainly.

Meanwhile, injured Ryan Jensen will not take the field Sunday, despite making a hopeful return to practice earlier this week. Still, Tom Brady explained that Jensen’s potential return to the active roster adds some excitement on the field.

“Everyone loves having Ryan [Jensen] out there,” said Brady. “…It’s nice to get him out on the field and he gets in a little more of a happier place. I think we’re all a little happier when we are out there. It’s great having him out there.”

With fifteen players on their injury reserve going into the weekend, Bowles assured fans that the players are “trending in the right direction.” Many, like Jensen, are eyeing potential returns for week 18 and the playoffs, putting the Buccaneers on the path to a strong playoff push if they can overcome the Panther’s surging offense.

The loser of the Sunday match up will likely watch the playoffs from home as there are no remaining wildcard spots for the second-place team in the NFC South.

The high stakes game against the Panthers at 1 p.m. on January 1 will air on FOX or can be streamed on NFL+.