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

Week 16 brings yet another divisional grudge match loaded with playoff stakes, when the Carolina Panthers (7-7) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.

With neither side likely to be in contention for a Wild Card spot, the winner of this game - the first of two meetings between the pair in the coming weeks - will be crucial in deciding which NFC South team advances to the postseason.

So buckle in, take advantage of DAZN’s latest Game Pass offer, giving you the whole Week 16 slate for only 99p, and prepare to watch Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young leave it all on the field.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this can’t-miss showdown.

Panthers: The youth movement's moment

With several young stars playing vital roles in Carolina's newfound success, the Panthers' future looks bright. Now, it's time to reveal if they're ready to transition from promising pretender to capable contender.

Young has shown flashes of the brilliance that led the Panthers to select him first overall in 2023, but he needs to put it together consistently before we can say he has truly arrived.

Ordinarily, the young signal-caller would lean on the backfield tandem of Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard to keep the chains moving, but this Tampa D has been stout against the run, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards and only 4.3 yards per carry.

With that in mind, if head coach Dave Canales believes the aerial attack is the key to victory, wideout Tetairoa McMillan will undoubtedly play a major role. His yardage totals may have dipped lately, but 851 receiving yards and six TDs - as a rookie - is impressive work.

The concern upfront is offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. His absence could be a huge blow to Carolina's ability to keep the Bucs' pass rush at bay.

The task for the Panthers defense is anything but easy. Somehow, they must contain the enviable arsenal of Bucs' receivers and keep Mayfield from getting comfortable in the pocket.

Buccaneers: Stop the bleeding

Tampa Bay would have the division wrapped up were it not for their tendency to drop winnable games. Losing to the Patriots, Bills and Rams was somewhat forgivable. Coming up short against the Saints and Falcons in back-to-back weeks was inexcusable.

The good news is that Mike Evans is not only back but has returned with a bang. The veteran put up six catches for 132 yards last week, and leads a talented group including Chris Godwin and Rookie of the Year candidate Emeka Egbuka.

Tailback Bucky Irving hasn't hit full stride since returning from injury in Week 13, but he'll fancy his chances against a Panthers defense that has allowed a league-leading 5.2 yards per carry.

Defensively, safety Tykee Smith returns just in time to help fill what would be a huge void should Lavonte David (knee) be forced to sit this one out. However, the veteran has been trending toward playing.

Keys to the game

• Evans’ impact: If he’s truly back, and on last week's evidence, he is, Carolina’s secondary has its hands full.
• Carolina’s O-line availability: If Ekwonu can’t suit up, Young could be in trouble.
• Irving vs. Panthers run D: Is this the game Bucky erupts? Even if he has a game barely better than his recent performances, it takes the pressure off Mayfield.

Playoff implications

The winner won’t clinch the NFC South, but they’ll strike a bitter blow to the loser's chances of doing so. For Tampa, a win is important. For Carolina, it’s borderline essential.

Although these two are set to meet again in Week 18, Sunday’s result could make all the difference.

Kickoff date, time, and location

• Date: Sunday, December 21
• Kick-off time: 1pm ET / 10am PT / 6pm GMT
• Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Prediction

The Panthers have home-field advantage, but Tampa’s passing game and superior run defense give them the edge.

Panthers 17 - 27 Buccaneers

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

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