By Harshit
TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 11 — 11:14 PM EDT
The NFC South race tightened under the primetime lights as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons opened Week 15 with a matchup carrying postseason implications for one team and spoiler opportunity for the other. Tampa Bay (7-6) built an early-season reputation as a contender but entered Thursday having dropped four of its last five. Atlanta (4-9), without rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., arrived looking to disrupt its rival’s playoff hopes.
Below are the live updates from Raymond James Stadium as the Buccaneers and Falcons traded momentum swings, turnovers, explosive plays and critical mistakes in a must-win divisional clash.
Buccaneers 28, Falcons 20 — 4:06, 4th Quarter
Atlanta’s offense shows signs of life, moving across midfield as Kyle Pitts converts a short gain and Tyler Allgeier bursts for 15 yards into the red zone. With time running thin, the Falcons attempt to capitalize on Tampa Bay’s earlier turnover.
Falcons Defense Finally Gets a Takeaway — 11:04 p.m.
Baker Mayfield forces a throw toward Mike Evans, but corner Dee Alford reads it perfectly and climbs the ladder for the interception. Atlanta takes over near the 30 with new energy and a chance to cut the deficit to one score.
Bijan Robinson Breaks Loose — 10:56 p.m.
Atlanta delivers the answer it desperately needed. Robinson bounces a run outside and accelerates into the end zone for a six-yard touchdown. He reaches 158 scrimmage yards on the night. The failed two-point attempt keeps Tampa Bay ahead, 28-20.
Moments earlier, Cousins found David Sills for 20 yards to set up first-and-goal.
Mayfield to Godwin: Buccaneers Extend the Lead — 10:47 p.m.
Chris Godwin, quiet most of the season due to injury, breaks through with a three-yard touchdown — his first score of 2025. Tampa Bay immediately adds two more on a conversion pass to Godwin again, completing the rare octopus.
Buccaneers lead 28-14.
Tampa Bay Forces Crucial Fumble — 10:40 p.m.
Bijan Robinson loses the ball while fighting for extra yards over the middle, and linebacker Jacob Harris scoops it up. The Buccaneers start at the Atlanta 25 with an opportunity to seize full control of the game.
Luka Doncic… No — Mike Evans Takes Over — 10:32 p.m.
Evans continues to remind the league he’s one of the NFL’s most dangerous contested-catch receivers. He climbs over A.J. Terrell for a 20-yard sideline grab that jumpstarts another promising Buccaneers drive.
Halftime: Falcons 14, Buccaneers 13 — 9:47 p.m.
Kirk Cousins orchestrates a clean, efficient half — 13-of-15 passing for 170 yards — while Kyle Pitts delivers the best first half of his career with 110 yards and two touchdowns. Tampa Bay answers late with a 52-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin.
Despite Atlanta’s 222 yards to Tampa Bay’s 185, penalties — 11 in the first half — continue to stall Falcons drives.
Kyle Pitts Erupts for Two First-Half Touchdowns — 9:37 p.m.
The former first-round pick shakes off a defender for a 35-yard catch, then immediately scores again on a 17-yard route. Atlanta takes a 14-10 lead, powered by Pitts’ sudden resurgence.
Buccaneers Strike First — 8:47 p.m.
Sean Tucker plunges into the end zone from one yard out after Emeka Egbuka’s deep reception sets up first-and-goal. Tampa Bay leads 7-0 early.
Early Action — 8:16 to 8:37 p.m.
Rachaad White and Bucky Irving help Tampa Bay push to midfield, while Atlanta counters with early receptions from Pitts and Robinson. Both teams showcase explosive potential but struggle to sustain drives.