CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers are about to become very familiar with the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The teams are set to face off twice over the next three weeks, with the first matchup this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

The Panthers are 25-24 all-time against the Buccaneers. Carolina is 13-12 at home and 12-12 on the road. Carolina is 1-2 in overtime against Tampa Bay.

The Panthers' playoff chances ride on these games against the Bucs, and whatever happens Sunday will make a big difference in the following two weeks. And while there is always crossover with division opponents, and a lot of mutuals between these two teams considering who has been at other places, the Bucs will get a lot of the Panthers' attention over the next three weeks.

With that in mind, let's get to know them here as well.

Is Baker still cooking?

In the first half of the season, Baker Mayfield was regularly getting MVP chants during and after games, and deservedly so. During the Bucs' first seven games—in which they went 5-2—Mayfield averaged 252.43 yards per game, threw 13 touchdowns to only two interceptions, and took 14 sacks.

In the last seven games, Tampa Bay has gone 2-5, while Mayfield has averaged 176 yards per game, with nine touchdowns to five interceptions and 15 sacks. One of those games does include the Rams matchup, which Mayfield had to leave early due to an AC sprain. The injury occurred in his non-throwing shoulder, and he was able to return the following week.

Mayfield was missing many of his offensive weapons for most of the season, with the full contingent not appearing on the field together until the Week 15 loss to the Falcons. But now, the Bucs have Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Emeka Egbuka all healthy and playing.

During Week 14, Evans, in his first action since breaking his collarbone in Week 7, led the Bucs with six receptions for 132 yards.

The stable of running backs

The Bucs running back unit was also hit with injuries during the season, with Bucky Irving sidelined due to foot and shoulder injuries. His absence led to the emergence of Sean Tucker. In Week 15, all three backs were on the field, with Irving leading the group, finishing with 16 carries for 60 yards. Rachaad White had only one catch for 20 yards, and Tucker punched in the lone rushing touchdown on the night.

White has played in all 14 games thus far, and is the Bucs' leading rusher with 494 yards on 118 carries. But in recent weeks, the Bucs have turned more and more to the veteran Tucker, who has five touchdowns in the last seven games.

Changes at starter but still a stout defense

The Bucs had to place one of their defensive starters on injured reserve this week, Zyon McCollum. The corner suffered a hip injury against the Falcons in Week 15 that will sideline him for at least the rest of the regular season, since he must miss four games. McCollum had 65 tackles, six passes defended, and an interception.

There is still a lot of sticky talent on the defense, though. Safety Tykee Smith leads the team with 12 passes defended (plus an interception) and is also second on the team with 90 total tackles. Corner Jamel Dean leads the team with three interceptions.

And as always, Vita Vea is still a force in the middle, with 4.5 sacks, which is second on the team behind Yaya Diaby, who has 6.0.