An NFC South battle on "Thursday Night Football" looks a little different than usual. Here's the story behind the Buccaneers' jerseys.

What you need to know ahead of tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning - When: Thursday, December 18 @ 4:00 PM PST Where: Amalie Arena - Tampa Bay, FLA Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Listen: ESP

Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) celebrates with the bench, including defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a pivotal moment in their season when they travel to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. Both teams sit at 7-7 records with the winner gaining a commanding advantage in the NFC South division race with just two games remaining on the schedule.

Sunday's showdown against the Bucs is a high-stakes opportunity that came early for the Panthers. But since it's there, they might as well seize it.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were once a top five team in the NFL at the begining of the season, however, things have changed since their Week 9 bye. Since starting

The Carolina Panthers‘ 2025 season has been a story of a young team finding its footing under second-year head coach Dave Canales, marked by significant defensive improvement and an inconsistent, yet promising,