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

Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season drops a NFC South scrap under the Thursday Night lights, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7–6) welcome the Atlanta Falcons (4–9) to Raymond James Stadium.

With the Bucs desperately trying to hang onto a division lead under threat from the Carolina Panthers, this has all the ingredients to be a major turning point in the playoff race.

The Falcons may have little to gain, but with pride at stake and the chance to ruin a bitter rival’s night, they won't be pulling any punches.

Don’t miss a second of a game that promises plenty. DAZN’s latest Game Pass offer gives you this matchup - and every game from now through to the Super Bowl - from only £29.99.

Buccaneers: Time to protect the division lead

Tampa’s Week 14 loss to the New Orleans Saints made the division much tighter. Baker Mayfield has been dealing with more bumps and bruises than he probably cares to admit, and it has shown in the way the offense has sputtered.

The encouraging news comes at receiver: Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan have finally worked their way back and will combine with Chris Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka to give Mayfield four legitimate targets.

The timing of Evans' and McMillan's return couldn't be better, with tight end Cade Otton listed as doubtful with a knee injury.

• Read next | Week 15 playoff picture: Bracket, odds, bubble watch, and the pivotal matchups

Tailback Bucky Irving hasn't quite been firing on all cylinders since returning, but after practicing in full all week, he'll continue to lead the way on the ground.

While the offense has had its share of problems, the bigger concern is on defense, where the absences are stacking up. Linebacker SirVocea Dennis (hip) is out, standout safety Tykee Smith (neck/shoulder) is doubtful.

For the Bucs, the mission isn’t complicated: avoid errors, finish drives, and prove they're still the team to beat in the NFC South.

Falcons: Spoiler mode?

Atlanta have been out of the playoff picture for a week now, but this is the kind of game teams in their position often relish.

Their chances of pulling off an upset win might be hampered by injuries, though. Standout receiver Drake London won’t play, tight end Kyle Pitts isn't fully healthy, and edge rusher Jalon Walker is questionable ahead of tonight.

That leaves a lot on the shoulders of Bijan Robinson, who has already eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and remains their most reliable way to move the ball.

• Read next | Week 15 Power Rankings: Patriots stand pat, Bills, Packers rise; Eagles fall

Quarterback Kirk Cousins will want to put last week's two-interception performance against the Seahawks behind him. At 37, and with five losses in his last six starts, he'll need to elevate his game to keep his side in it.

Defensively, there are plenty of bright spots, where rookie James Pearce is beginning to look like a real menace off the edge. If he can combine with emerging players such as Brandon Dorlus and Zach Harrison to make Mayfield uncomfortable, we could have a game on our hands.

Keys to the game

• Atlanta’s pass rush vs Tampa’s O line: Pearce Jr. has been on a hot streak. Containing him is key for the Bucs.
• The Bijan Robinson effect: With London out, much of the Falcons' offense will run through Bijan. The Bucs must contain him as best they can.
• The Mike Evans effect: Evans is one of the best NFL receivers of the past decade. He clearly won't top 1,000 yards this year - the first time in his career he's failed to do so - but he can come back with a bang.

Playoff implications

Tampa need this one badly. A win keeps them ahead in the NFC South and eases the pressure going into the final two weeks. A loss makes life much more difficult ahead of the two pivotal Bucs-Panthers games in Weeks 16 and 18.

The Falcons can’t climb back into contention, but they can certainly do their best to drag someone else down with them. That’s more than enough motivation in December.

Kickoff date, time, and location

• Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
• Kickoff: 1:15am GMT / 8:15pm ET (Thurs) / 5:15pm PT (Thurs)
• Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Prediction

Atlanta’s emerging pass rush unit and Bijan’s big-play ability make this far from straightforward, but with the help of the improved depth at WR, Mayfield and Co. should prevail.

Buccaneers 24 - 14 Falcons

How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons 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
• On a laptop or PC, visit www.DAZN.com/home
• 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

For more information and to sign up, head here now.

Fans based in the U.S. can watch NFL games live on FUBO. Click here for more information.

How much does NFL Game Pass cost?

In Canada, NFL Game Pass is included as part of the DAZN subscription package. Click here to see prices.

Elsewhere, Game Pass can be purchased as a standalone subscription, and the features included vary by subscription level. More details below.

The latest DAZN Game Pass offer provides huge discounts on Regular and UItimate subscriptions, giving you every game from now until the end of the season - including the Super Bowl - with prices starting from just £29.99.

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 traveling.
• 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.