Posted December 16, 2025

December football in Charlotte always feels intense—chilly winds, high stakes, and every play loaded with divisional rivalry. In Week 16, Buccaneers vs. Panthers hits the afternoon window, the kind of matchup where one big play can reshape the NFC South standings for the season’s final push.

TIME, DATE, LOCATION
Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (Week 16)
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT
Venue:

Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina

TV & STREAMING
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOXSports.com + FOX Sports App (with a participating TV provider)

RADIO
Panthers Radio (flagship): 99.7 The Fox (WRFX)

Buccaneers Radio (flagship): 98 Rock (WXTB 97.9 FM)

GAME PREVIEW
This one’s about execution and seizing opportunities. Bank of America Stadium in December favors the team that controls the line of scrimmage, avoids self-inflicted errors, and capitalizes when the game tightens up in the second half. Divisional clashes don’t care about records—they demand who handles the pressure better. With the Buccaneers at 7–7 and the Panthers at 7–7, tied atop the NFC South, it’s a pivotal battle for division supremacy and playoff positioning.

The blueprint is simple:

• Win the turnover battle

• Avoid drive-killing penalties

• Finish in the red zone

• Limit explosive plays and tackle clean

3 MATCHUPS THAT COULD DECIDE IT

1. PASS PROTECTION VS. PRESSURE:

   
   Whoever keeps their QB upright dictates the tempo.

2. HIDDEN YARDS:
   Field position, punts, and return lanes can decide a one-score game.

3. RED-ZONE EXECUTION:
   Field goals keep it close—touchdowns swing the afternoon.

CLOSING THOUGHT
Buccaneers at Panthers in Week 16 isn’t about flash—it’s about grinding out a win in the cold, handling the rivalry noise, and owning the moment. If Carolina starts aggressive and forces mistakes, Bank of America Stadium turns electric. If Tampa Bay imposes their will early, the division lead is theirs.