Buccaneers visit NFC South-leading Panthers with Baker Mayfield set to return
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The gist
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected back as 1-5 Tampa Bay visits the 3-2 Panthers in Charlotte.
A Bucs loss would leave them near falling out of the division race early.
Background
The Carolina Panthers (3-2) lead the NFC South and host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox. Tampa Bay has lost five of six, its only win a Week 5 victory over the Cowboys behind undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, who started three games while Baker Mayfield was out with a dislocated thumb in his throwing hand. Carolina has won two straight, including a 25-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, and can go 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the division with a win. This is the Bucs' first division game of the season.
How it unfolded
- Oct 20, 2026The Panthers (3-2, 1-0) are set to host the Buccaneers (1-5) in Charlotte for Week 7, with Carolina leading the NFC South and Tampa Bay playing its first division game.
- Oct 21, 2026A preview lists the game for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium on Fox.
- Oct 22, 2026A podcast preview notes the Panthers favored by three, Baker Mayfield back, and an illness going around the Bucs locker room.
- Oct 23, 2026Carolina returns home after its Week 6 road win over the Eagles; Mayfield is trending toward returning.
- Oct 25, 2026The Bucs enter 1-5 after a 26-19 overtime loss to the Steelers; the Panthers enter 3-2 after beating the Eagles 25-14. Odds list Carolina -3, with a total of 44.5.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- SI writers pick Carolina across the board, from 27-17 to 28-23, citing Mayfield's expected return, the Panthers' top passing attack and Bryce Young's high-caliber play.
- Split
- Bucs Nation staff are evenly split, two picking Tampa Bay and two picking Carolina, with Mike Kiwak taking Panthers 27, Bucs 13.
- Caution
- Writer Preston Palm says Carolina should still have the tools to win, though it may be a frustrating game to watch.
- Podcast
- Hosts Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson say a Bucs loss could put Zion McCollum on the trading block, while a win would let them convince themselves they are back in it.
Still unverified
Mayfield's status was uncertain during the week, with the Bucs awaiting word while also preparing their rookie passer. A podcast also notes an illness going around the Bucs locker room, listing Bucky Irving and Zion McCollum on the illness report, Ameka Ibuka questionable (concussion and foot) and Antoine Winfield limited (rib) and doubtful.