The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that needed a win in Week 17 to clinch a playoff spot, hosted the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Buccaneers, despite falling behind 14-0 early, won the game in a contest that had a final score that was within an unconverted touchdown. The result was Carolina 24, and Tampa Bay 30, a result that means that the Bucs are into the playoffs regardless of what happens in Week 18 or for the balance of Week 17.
Game Summary Week 17: Carolina vs Tampa Bay
- Final score: Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 30
- The Panthers fell to 6-10
- The Buccaneers, with the win, improved to 8-8
- Tom Brady's passer rating: 127.3
- Sam Darnold's passer rating: 108.1
Tom Brady passes for 432 yards
Tom Brady of the Buccaneers was the winning quarterback in the game. He had 432 passing yards in the outing and his ratio of TDs to INTs was 3 to 0. Brady, thanks to a strong second half, had a passer rating of 127.3, a very good outing for his season.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold of the Panthers was the losing quarterback in the game. Despite the loss, he played well and had 341 passing yards in the outing with a ratio of TDs to INTs of 3 to 1. Darnold finished the game with a passer rating of 108.1.
Panthers @ Buccaneers Sunday: Bucs erase early deficit
With the loss, the Panthers are now 6-10 on the season. They are mathematically eliminated from contention now, although their Week 18 game might still have some meaning. At the time of writing, the New Orleans Saints, Carolina's Week 18 opponent, could still make the playoffs. But the Panthers cannot win their division, nor can they hope for a Wild Card.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers improved to 8-8 with the 6-point victory. They are going to be the fourth seed in the NFC regardless of what happens in Week 18. They are in a decent position as they can rest their key players next week in preparation for Wild Card Weekend, where they will host a game due to their divisional title.
Further reading: Our recent NFL Power Rankings
