TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — A pair of NFC South rivals with fading postseason hopes will meet Saturday when the Carolina Panthers visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Both teams enter the regular-season finale at .500 or worse, with the Panthers at 8-8 and the Buccaneers at 7-9. The Week 17 matchup offers a chance for one to finish with a winning record, though playoff contention for either is a long shot requiring multiple results elsewhere. The game is a quick rematch of a Dec. 21 contest in Charlotte, which Carolina won 23-20. In that game, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, while Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield passed for 145 yards and a score. Young, the focal point of Carolina’s offense, has been inconsistent. In last week’s 27-10 loss to Seattle, he was held to just 54 passing yards, though he accounted for a touchdown. His mobility remains a key asset, adding a rushing dimension. He will face a Buccaneers defense that has struggled recently, allowing an average of 24.5 points over its last four games. Mayfield, meanwhile, has put up strong individual numbers during a difficult stretch for Tampa Bay, which has lost four straight. He threw for 346 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow 20-17 loss to Miami last week. However, turnovers and defensive lapses have plagued the Buccaneers’ efforts to close out games. Carolina’s offense will look to establish its run game with Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard against a Tampa Bay run defense ranking in the bottom third of the league. The Buccaneers will counter with an aerial attack targeting receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, testing a Panthers secondary that has been vulnerable. According to National Statistical, the Buccaneers are projected to win 30-22. Oddsmakers, however, list Carolina as a 3-point favorite, with an over/under of 43.5 points. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.