It is not hyperbolic to state that it is all on the line for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday afternoon against the NFC South rival Carolina Panthers, who have often been their greatest rival in terms of the sporting side of things over the last 20 years. Once again, the Buccaneers and Panthers, just like old times, will compete for the division crown and the only realistic playoff spot for either of these teams.
The Buccaneers and Panthers are two franchises trending in opposite directions this season. Whereas the Bucs began the season as Super Bowl contenders and Carolina looked like they had no shot at the postseason at all, the Buccaneers are now sliding down to .