
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 03: Fans look on during the first half of a game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
It wasn't pretty. But a Bucs win today at home kept their playoff hopes alive. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held on to get the 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium today. The win puts the Bucs 1 game out of first place, even with their 5-7 record. The Bucs can move into first place next weekend when they play division leaders the Atlanta Falcons.
The game was paused to pay tribute to Bucs Wide Receiver Mike Evans, who hit 1,000 yards receiving for the tenth consecutive season. That extends the record he broke last season.
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Ihmir Smith-Marsette #11 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: J.J. Russell #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts during the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and interim head coach Chris Tabor of the Carolina Panthers meet on the field after their game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: A detailed view of the shoes worn by Chase Edmonds #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers meet on the field after their game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Fans looks on during the fourth quarter of the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Fans look on during the first half of a game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)