The sky over Raymond James Stadium didn't just leak; it poured. On January 3, 2026, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to scrape together a 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers in a game that felt more like a survival test than a professional football match.
If you're asking who won bucs game, the short answer is Tampa Bay. But the long answer? Well, that’s a bit more complicated because winning the game didn't actually win them the season.
The Sloppy Saturday Showdown
Baker Mayfield and his squad entered Week 18 knowing they had to win to keep any hope of a fifth straight NFC South title alive. It wasn't pretty. Mayfield finished the day 16-of-22 for 203 yards, but stats don't tell the story of trying to grip a leather ball that’s basically a wet bar of soap.
The Bucs jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Cade Otton was the early hero, hauling in an 18-yard touchdown pass that set the tone. Chase McLaughlin, who’s been a model of consistency all year, added three field goals throughout the game.
Those kicks were the difference.
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Carolina didn't go away quietly though. Bryce Young, despite being hounded by the Tampa defense, managed to put up 266 yards through the air. He found Jalen Coker for an 8-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to pull within two.
Then came the drama.
With the clock ticking down, the Panthers tried a desperate series of laterals on the final play. It’s the kind of thing you see in highlight reels or nightmares. The ball hit the turf, Benjamin Morrison jumped on it, and the Bucs walked off winners.
Why the Win Felt Like a Loss
Honestly, the mood in the locker room was kinda weird after the game. You'd think a win would have everyone celebrating, but the Buccaneers were in a "wait and see" pattern.
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Because of the way the NFL tiebreakers shook out in 2026, the Bucs needed the New Orleans Saints to either win or tie against the Atlanta Falcons the following day. If Atlanta won, Tampa was out.
The Falcons won. 19-17.
So, despite the fact that Tampa Bay won their final game to finish 8-9, they were officially eliminated from the playoffs. It’s a bitter pill. They started the season 6-2 and looked like a legit contender before the wheels fell off in November and December.
Breaking Down the Key Moments
If you missed the broadcast, there were a few things that defined who won bucs game and how they did it.
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- The Rushing Gap: Tampa Bay absolutely dominated the ground game, outrushing Carolina 140 to 19. Bucky Irving was the workhorse here, carrying the rock 26 times for 85 yards.
- Lavonte David’s Milestone: The legendary linebacker tied Derrick Brooks for the franchise’s career tackle record. He also recovered a massive fumble in the fourth quarter when the Panthers were threatening to score.
- Third Down Efficiency: The Bucs converted over 50% of their third downs (8-of-15), which is wild considering the rain. It kept Bryce Young off the field for over 37 minutes of game time.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Finish
A lot of fans think the Bucs lost the division on that final weekend. They didn't. They lost it during a brutal 2-7 stretch after their bye week.
You can't go nearly two months with only two wins and expect to host a playoff game. Even in a weak NFC South, the math eventually catches up to you. Head Coach Todd Bowles is now facing some pretty heavy questions about his future, especially since this is the first time the team has missed the postseason since 2019.
What’s Next for the Bucs?
The focus now shifts immediately to the 2026 NFL Draft. Since they finished 8-9 and missed the dance, they’ll likely be picking in the middle of the first round.
The roster has some aging pillars. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are still productive, but the defense needs a youth movement, especially if Lavonte David decides to hang them up after 14 seasons.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the Coaching Carousel: Keep a close eye on local Tampa reporters like Rick Stroud or Greg Auman for updates on Todd Bowles’ job status.
- Draft Scouting: Start looking at interior defensive linemen and edge rushers in the upcoming draft class; the Bucs' lack of a consistent pass rush was glaring in the second half of the season.
- Cap Space Check: The team has some big decisions to make with Mayfield’s contract and potential extensions for younger stars like Bucky Irving.