The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have now left themselves with everything to do in the final two weeks of the 2025 NFL regular season, as they were unable to defeat the team they are competing with for the only playoff spot they are eligible for in the NFC. Having already lost to two easier rivals in the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers lost the first of two must win matchups against the Carolina Panthers, their direct competitors for the NFC South crown.
Despite the loss, the Buccaneers are not eliminated from the playoffs, but they can easily be if they lose these next two games.