JUMP TO:<\/p>\n
To start the 2025 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> came out of the gates blazing, winning five out of six games and establishing themselves as a Super Bowl contender. Though, since the team’s bye week, Todd Bowles’ squad has been going in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n Bowles, Baker Mayfield and Co. have lost four out of their last five games, and Tampa Bay’s once-strong hold of the NFC South is now just a tiebreaker. With the Carolina Panthers<\/a> having an identical 7-6 record, the Buccaneers are now in a tight division race down the stretch.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay has its first chance to get back to winning ways on Thursday night, when it hosts an NFC South opponent in the Atlanta Falcons<\/a>. Atlanta (4-9) has lost signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the season, but it has a prime opportunity to play spoiler under the lights.<\/p>\n STREAM: Watch Cowboys vs. Lions LIVE with Amazon Prime Video<\/a><\/p>\n The two teams met for the first time in Week 1, with Mayfield leading a last-minute drive with a game-winning touchdown to rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who caught two touchdowns in the game. Tampa Bay won in a 27-24 thriller. With both teams on a downward trajectory, but one still able to save the season, will there be similar fireworks on Thursday night?<\/p>\n Follow along for updates throughout the night.<\/p>\n Buccaneers vs. Falcons score<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n NFL HQ: Live NFL scores<\/a> | Updated NFL standings<\/a> | Full NFL schedule<\/a><\/p>\n Buccaneers vs. Falcons live updates, highlights from ‘Thursday Night Football’<\/p>\n 10:53 p.m.:\u00a0The Falcons needed a first down, and it’s Robinson who gets it.<\/p>\n Split out wide, Cousins hits Robinson on an out-route to move the chains. It’s only Atlanta’s second third down conversion of the night.<\/p>\n Buccaneers 28, Falcons 14<\/p>\n 10:47 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:\u00a0Now it’s another Buccaneers wide receiver who’s missed time to get into the end zone.<\/p>\n Now, it’s Chris Godwin, who hauls in a three-yard score for his first touchdown of the year.<\/p>\n Chris Godwin Jr. extends the @Buccaneers<\/a> lead!<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Then, we have an octopus! Mayfield goes to Godwin again on the two-point conversion, and it’s 28-14 Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n OCTOPUS!!! \ud83d\udc19 pic.twitter.com\/24f3Ql2anm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 10:45 p.m.:\u00a0On 2nd & 10, Mayfield tries finding Evans down the left side but Terrell holds him and is called for pass interference.<\/p>\n Atlanta has 16 penalties (to Tampa Bay’s 3) for 109 yards.<\/p>\n End of the third quarter: Buccaneers 20, Falcons 14<\/p>\n 10:40 p.m.:\u00a0Tampa Bay has forced the first turnover of the game and is now in plus territory.<\/p>\n Cousins throws a ball to Robinson over the middle of the field, and the back is hit and loses the ball. It’s recovered by Jacob Harris.<\/p>\n The Buccaneers have a chance to make it a two-score game, starting at the Atlanta 25.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n 10:35 p.m.:\u00a0After Mayfield was sacked for a seven yard loss, he tries finding Tez Johnson downfield but slightly overthrows him. Now, it’s Tampa Bay who is forced to punt.<\/p>\n Cousins and Atlanta have the ball back right above the 10.<\/p>\n On 2nd & 4, Irving bursts one up the middle and it goes for 16 yards. He then takes a carry for five down to the Atlanta 43.<\/p>\n 10:32 p.m.:\u00a0Evans has another big catch to open up Tampa Bay’s drive.<\/p>\n “ANNND 1!” – Mike Evans pic.twitter.com\/a0VS8mrz2H<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Mayfield finds him down the right sideline, over A.J. Terrell, for 20 yards.<\/p>\n 10:28 p.m.:\u00a0Though the Falcons were in field goal range, a Cousins intentional grounding penalty draws the Falcons back, and on 3rd & 20 he can’t find a receiver.<\/p>\n For the second straight drive, Atlanta punts.<\/p>\n 10:26 p.m.:\u00a0On first down, Cousins connects with Darnell Mooney for 13 yards to the Tampa Bay 31. The Falcons are looking to cut into the deficit fast.<\/p>\n 10:24 p.m.:\u00a0The Falcons are past midfield.<\/p>\n Cousins hits Robinson on second down, and the back takes it for 21 yards all the way to the Buccaneers 44.<\/p>\n Getting Bijan Robinson to the ground is not easy<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a>Buccaneers 20, Falcons 14<\/p>\n 10:18 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:\u00a0The Buccaneers take the lead.<\/p>\n Mayfield steps back in the pocket and finds a wide open Devin Culp, who has the first touchdown reception of his career.<\/p>\n Devin Culp puts the @Buccaneers<\/a> back on top<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Culp logs his first reception of the 2025 season, and it’s a big one.<\/p>\n 10:16 p.m.:\u00a0The next play, it’s another penalty for the Falcons, their 14th of the night.<\/p>\n A facemask penalty on Divine Deablo sets up Tampa Bay at the four.<\/p>\n 10:15 p.m.:\u00a0Atlanta has been shooting itself in the foot all day, and it happens again after a 3rd & goal stop.<\/p>\n An illegal hands to the face penalty gives Tampa Bay a new set of downs inside the 10.<\/p>\n 10:12 p.m.:\u00a0Welcome back Mike Evans.<\/p>\n On 1st & 10, Mayfield lobs one up to No. 13 deep down the left sideline, and Evans mosses his defender for a 45-yard reception down to the Atlanta 12.<\/p>\n JUST THROW IT UP TO MIKE EVANS<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Evans has four receptions for 102 yards.<\/p>\n 10:11 p.m.:\u00a0A short Irving run gave Tampa Bay a new set of downs, and the next play, Mayfield finds Egbuka deep downfield for another chain-mover.<\/p>\n This goes for 20 yards to the Tampa Bay 43.<\/p>\n 10:06 p.m.:\u00a0After Atlanta got to a 3rd & 14, Pitts takes in a reception but its way short of the chains.<\/p>\n The Falcons punt, and with a defensive holding penalty Mayfield and co. will start deep in their own territory.\u00a0<\/p>\n 10:02 p.m.:\u00a0The second half is underway at Raymond James Stadium.<\/p>\n The Falcons offense has the ball first, up one.<\/p>\n Halftime: Falcons 14, Buccaneers 13<\/p>\n 9:47 p.m. FIELD GOAL:\u00a0McLaughlin hits a 52-yarder as time expires to end the half, and after 30, it’s Atlanta who leads by one.<\/p>\n Atlanta is out gaining Tampa Bay 222 to 185 and has two touchdowns to Atlanta’s one. Of course, the story is Kyle Pitts, who had the best first half of his career.<\/p>\n 9:43 p.m.:\u00a0Mayfield throws it away, setting up a 3rd & 10, but a crucial facemask penalty moves the ball 15 yards and sets up a first down.<\/p>\n The next play, he hits Evans deep down the left sideline for 34 yards, and Tampa Bay is inside the 30.<\/p>\n Falcons 14, Buccaneers 10<\/p>\n 9:37 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Kyle Pitts is having a night.<\/p>\n After getting near midfield, Pitts leaves his defender in the dust and is wide open, with Cousins able to hit him in stride. It goes for 35 yards.<\/p>\n Kyle Pitts shakes free for the big gain!<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The next play, Cousins hits Pitts again in the end zone for a 17-yard score. It’s Pitts’ second of the game.<\/p>\n Kyle Pitts again! His 2nd TD of the night puts the @AtlantaFalcons<\/a> in front.<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The tight end is up to six receptions for 110 and two touchdowns.<\/p>\n Buccaneers 10, Falcons 7<\/p>\n 9:31 p.m. FIELD GOAL:\u00a0On 3rd & 9, Mayfield picks up one yard after not being able to find anyone downfield.<\/p>\n But, Tampa Bay takes the lead. Chase McLaughlin comes in to drill a 49-yard field goal, and it’s 10-7.<\/p>\n 9:28 p.m.:\u00a0The Tampa Bay offense is starting to click, with Mayfield hitting his third straight receiver to move the chains all three times.<\/p>\n This time, its McMillan, who now has two receptions over 10+ yards in his season debut.<\/p>\n Baker Mayfield \ud83c\udfaf Jalen McMillan<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 9:26 p.m.:\u00a0The Buccaneers are 3-for-5 on third down after Mayfield connects with Evans above the chains. This one goes for 12 yards to the Tampa Bay 36.<\/p>\n The next play, Mayfield connects with Egbuka on the other side of the field, and the rookie gets by two defenders and has his own 12-yard reception.\u00a0<\/p>\n 9:22 p.m.:\u00a0The Falcons are up to nine penalties on the night, and there’s six minutes left in the second quarter. Pitts picks up 11 yards on 3rd & 15 to set down a fourth & short.\u00a0<\/p>\n From ESPN Research: The nine accepted penalties are the most the #Falcons<\/a> have had against them in a first half since 2018.<\/p>\n \u2014 Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n But, it isn’t enough and Atlanta punts. The game remains 7-7.<\/p>\n 9:16 p.m.:\u00a0After two Atlanta penalties made it a 1st & 16, Robinson picks up those yards on two carries and the Falcons have a new set of downs.<\/p>\n Robinson now has 59 rushing yards on the night.<\/p>\n 9:10 p.m.:\u00a0Mayfield rolls out right on 3rd & 8, but the pass comes up incomplete.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay will punt back to Atlanta.<\/p>\n Falcons 7, Buccaneers 7<\/p>\n 9:02 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:\u00a0Atlanta makes it a tie game, and it’s Kyle Pitts.<\/p>\n The play after the penalty, Cousins hits Pitts on a drag route and the tight end walks in for an eight-yard score.<\/p>\n Kirk Cousins to Pitts for 6\ufe0f\u20e3<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Pitts has three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown, his second of the year.<\/p>\n 9:00 p.m.:\u00a0On 3rd & 4 inside the red zone, Cousins throws an out-route to Robinson but Robinson stopped running, causing the pass to fall incomplete.<\/p>\n Zane Gonzalez, who hit a game-winning field goal in Tampa Bay last season in the playoffs with Washington, hits a field goal. But, an offsides penalty brings the Falcons offense back out.<\/p>\n 8:57 p.m.:\u00a0After a seven-yard Robinson reception, Cousins hits Davis Sills on 3rd & 5 and a first down.<\/p>\n Cousins is 6-for-6 for 99 yards.<\/p>\n End of the first quarter: Buccaneers 7, Falcons 0<\/p>\n 8:51 p.m.:\u00a0On the first play, Atlanta moves past midfield. Cousins hits Pitts in stride, and he takes it for 26 yards down to the Tampa Bay 39.<\/p>\n Buccaneers 7, Falcons 0<\/p>\n 8:47 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:\u00a0Tampa Bay is the first team on the board.<\/p>\n After a McMillan reception gets the Buccaneers inside the one, Sean Tucker takes his first carry into the end zone.<\/p>\n Sean Tucker gets in the end zone to open up the scoring!<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n It’s Tucker’s fifth touchdown of the season and the Buccaneers are up 7-0.<\/p>\n 8:42 p.m.:\u00a0The next play, Mayfield hits rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka for 23 yards down to the 20. Egbuka had two touchdowns against Atlanta in Week 1.<\/p>\n 8:41 p.m.:\u00a0The Falcons have two young edge rushers who can get to the quarterback, and James Pearce Jr. gets to Mayfield for the first sack of the night.<\/p>\n SIX straight games with a sack for James Pearce Jr. pic.twitter.com\/yGYoOLQxVM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 B\/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 8:37 p.m.:\u00a0Rachaad White, Tampa Bay’s No. 2 back, takes it 20 yards all the way to the 49. The Buccaneers are near midfield.<\/p>\n Two plays later, Evans is back on the board, picking up the first down on a 12-yard reception.<\/p>\n Mike Evans is back moving the chains<\/p>\n ATLvsTB on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 8:31 p.m.:\u00a0On 3rd & 12, Cousins throws it short but its short of the chains.<\/p>\n Atlanta also punts for the first time tonight. Mayfield and Tampa Bay are back on the field, right above the 15, looking to break the 0-0 tie.<\/p>\n 8:27 p.m.:\u00a0Robinson has his second reception of the game, taking it for nine yards and a first down.<\/p>\n Atlanta is across the 40.<\/p>\n 8:25 p.m.:\u00a0Cousins completes his first pass of the game on 1st & 10, hitting Kyle Pitts for 13 yards. Atlanta is to the 30.<\/p>\n 8:24 p.m.:\u00a0Robinson has his first big run of the game. On 2nd & 9, he takes it 10 yards to the Atlanta 17.<\/p>\n 8:20 p.m.:\u00a0After the two first downs, Tampa Bay picks up zero yards on the next play and is forced to punt. It is downed inside the Atlanta 2, where Kirk Cousins and co. will start.<\/p>\n 8:17 p.m.:\u00a0Irving opens up the game with a big carry, taking it for 11 yards up the middle. The next play, the back once again gets 11 yards for a first down, this time coming on a reception.<\/p>\n 8:16 p.m.:\u00a0Atlanta has kicked off, and we are underway in Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers offense has the ball first.<\/p>\n 8:12 p.m.:\u00a0Kickoff is moments away.<\/p>\n Will it be the Buccaneers advancing to 8-6 or will Atlanta play spoiler?<\/p>\n 8:03 p.m.:\u00a0Along with the return of Evans, second-year wideout Jalen McMillan will make his season debut tonight.<\/p>\n .@jalenmcmillan20<\/a> set to make his regular season debut \ud83d\udc4f pic.twitter.com\/5M0eGCmHLL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n McMillan was out with a severe neck injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n 7:57 p.m.:\u00a0Tampa Bay needs the win tonight to stay above the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South race.<\/p>\n Creamsicle in primetime \ud83e\udd29 pic.twitter.com\/CoTmFz6usk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The Buccaneers face Carolina twice before the season ends.\u00a0<\/p>\n 7:41 p.m.:\u00a0Bucky Irving, the Bucs’ star running back, missed a lot of the season with an injury. In two games back, he has 116 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n Bucky Irving rockin’ the Creamsicle 7\ufe0f\u20e3<\/p>\n ATLvsTB – 8:15pm ET on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Kickoff is approaching in Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n 7:04 p.m.:\u00a0Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is returns tonight after missing a month-and-a-half with a broken collarbone.<\/p>\n 1\ufe0f\u20e33\ufe0f\u20e3 in Creamsicle is tough to beat \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/J6t3ZwfkBW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The wide receiver won’t play every snap, but he will make his first appearance since Oct. 20 against the Lions<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n 6:51 p.m.:\u00a0Kyle Pitts, who has been dealing with an injury, is active for the Falcons tonight. Here is the list of their inactives.<\/p>\n Falcons TE Kyle Pitts is active tonight. pic.twitter.com\/hvRbYtMmwZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 6:45 p.m.:\u00a0Tampa Bay has listed its inactives for tonight’s contest.<\/p>\n Inactives for #ATLvsTB<\/a> \u2b07\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/rD3YCJBXzr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Starting tight end Cade Otton will not suit up.\u00a0<\/p>\n 6:30 p.m.:\u00a0There will be creamsicle end zones in Tampa Bay, adding to the beautiful uniform matchup.<\/p>\n Turning the clock back to 1976 \ud83e\udde1 pic.twitter.com\/8iOyusdGDd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 6:12 p.m.:\u00a0Jalon Walker has been one of the best defensive rookies in the NFL this season. Tonight, he looks to get to Mayfield early and often.<\/p>\n Prime Time Walk \ud83d\ude24@JalonWlaker<\/a> x #ProBowlVote<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Lo6SQbkiGO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n 5:54 p.m.:\u00a0Baker Mayfield is also on-site.<\/p>\n Ready to Bake on TNF \ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83c\udf73<\/p>\n ATLvsTB – 8:15pm ET on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n In Week 1 against Atlanta, Mayfield threw for three touchdowns, including on a game-winning drive in the final minute.<\/p>\n 5:48 p.m.:\u00a0Bijan Robinson has arrived.<\/p>\n Bijan in the building \ud83d\udccd<\/p>\n ATLvsTB – 8:15pm ET on Prime Video \u2014 NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The running back, who is fourth in the NFL with 1,081 rushing yards, was limited to only 24 on 12 carries in the Week 1 matchup with the Buccaneers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Though, he has performed well in primetime. In Week 2 against the Vikings<\/a>, Robinson had 143 yards on 22 carries, and in Week 6 against the Bills<\/a> had 238 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n 5:32 p.m.:\u00a0We have an all-time jersey matchup tonight, with both Atlanta and Tampa Bay wearing throwback uniforms.<\/p>\n Battle of the throwbacks pic.twitter.com\/QNXSttopJJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Tampa Bay, the home team, will be bringing out its “Creamsicle” uniforms.<\/p>\n One of our favorite traditions… CREAMSICLE \ud83e\udd29\ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa5: @SonyElectronics<\/a> | #SonyPartner<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/QlwjIMYZfX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Atlanta, on the other hand, will wear its “Dirty Bird” throwbacks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Prime time threads pic.twitter.com\/QBtyZYFPQW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n MORE WEEK 15 NFL:<\/p>\n Where to watch the NFL game tonightBuccaneers vs. Falcons start timeDate: Thursday, Dec. 11Time: 8:15 p.m. ET<\/p>\n “Thursday Night Football” will kick off at 8:15 p.m. from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.<\/p>\n Buccaneers vs. Falcons TV channel<\/p>\n
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