Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers preview: Kickoff time, news, prediction and how to watch on DAZN

Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season features a matchup with huge playoff ramifications tonight, as the  Carolina Panthers (8-8) head to Raymond James Stadium to face off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9), with the winner putting themselves in a prime position to win the NFC South. They squared off in Week 16 in Carolina with the Panthers holding on for a 23-20 victory. 

But both teams have played like neither wants to win the NFC South. The Bucs have lost four games in a row, which has allowed the Panthers to remain in the race. The Panthers are coming off a 271-0 Week 17 loss at home to the Seahawks. 

For the Panthers, they can clinch the NFC South and a berth in the playoffs with a win/tie or a Falcons defeat. For the Bucs, they can win the division with a win and a Falcons loss. 

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this winner-take-all showdown, just one of many games in an exciting Week 18 slate streaming live on DAZN for only 99p!

Keys to the game

• Fast start: Each team needs to set the tone early on. Who can punch whom in the mouth first will be a telltale sign.
• Baker Mayfield has to be at his best: The Bucs march to the beat of Mayfield. When he plays great, the better the odds of a win for Tampa. 

Playoff implications

The Panthers can clinch the NFC South and a berth in the playoffs with a win/tie or a Falcons defeat. The Bucs can win the division with a win and a Falcons loss. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers kickoff date, time, and location

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 3
• Kickoff time: 9:30pm GMT / 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT
• Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Prediction

As stated above, the Bucs tick along with how Baker Mayfield performs. Bryce Young hasn't played in a significant game in the NFL up until Week 18. Have to think Mayfield shows up and delivers in a big way to help increase the Bucs' chances of reaching the postseason.

Buccaneers def. Panthers: 24-10

How to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers on DAZN

Every NFL game during the 2025 regular season and playoffs - including the Super Bowl - is available worldwide on DAZN, excluding the United States and China.

DAZN is the only place to watch NFL Game Pass International, with access to every regular-season NFL game and every playoff matchup, live or on demand.

In addition to providing access to every game, Game Pass includes NFL Network, the iconic NFL RedZone, NFL originals, documentaries, and DAZN NFL programming, such as X's & O's, Kittle Things, 1st & Global, and Downs 2 Business.

NFL GPI will be available through the DAZN app, either as a standalone subscription or as an add-on to an existing DAZN package, to customers worldwide**, excluding those in the United States and China.

If you don't have the app already, follow these instructions.

• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
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• Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google, or Facebook options
• You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel and FIFA+
• Then find the NFL and click 'buy now' to choose your Game Pass membership level

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In Canada, NFL Game Pass is included with the DAZN subscription. Click here to see prices.

Elsewhere, NFL Game Pass can be purchased as a standalone subscription, and each subscription includes different features, as outlined below.

The latest DAZN Game Pass offers huge discounts on Weekly Pro subscriptions, providing 7 days' access with prices starting from £0.99p in the UK and €0.99 in Ireland.

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What is the difference between the Regular and Ultimate tiers? 

NFL Game Pass Ultimate Tier subscribers on DAZN have access to a range of enhanced features. These features include live games in HDR, Multiview to watch multiple games simultaneously, and access to NFL RedZone and NFL Network.*

The Ultimate Tier also offers exclusive content like the ManningCast alternate feed and access to NFL Originals.

Key features for Ultimate Tier subscribers:

• HDR: Watch the Super Bowl LX (and other games) in High Dynamic Range, enhancing picture quality.
• Multiview: Watch up to four games simultaneously on one screen.
• NFL RedZone: Never miss a touchdown with this channel dedicated to live game action.
• NFL Network: Access 24/7 NFL content, including news, analysis, and highlights.
• NFL Originals: Enjoy documentaries, behind-the-scenes content, and other exclusive shows.
• ManningCast (and other alternate feeds): Get a different perspective on Thursday Night Football with this popular broadcast.
• Download and Go: Download games and content to watch offline or while travelling.
• Multiple Devices & Locations: Stream on up to five devices and in two locations simultaneously.

* In the United Kingdom, up to two Sunday games per week will air on DAZN on a 24-hour tape delay.