Week 16 begins with an NFC South showdown between the Atlanta Falcons (4-9) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6). Although the Falcons have been eliminated from playoff contention, they can still play spoiler for a Bucs team fighting for the division title with the Carolina Panthers (7-6).

It’s been a tough season for Atlanta, with Michael Penix Jr. suffering a season-ending injury and having to go back to veteran Kirk Cousins, whom they benched in favor of Penix. The Falcons are 1-3 with Cousins starting this season and aim to cause some chaos within the division down the stretch. Atlanta has lost seven of its last nine games and was crushed by Seattle last week, 37-9. Cousins threw two interceptions and completed 50% of his passes in the loss, while Bijan Robinson rushed for 86 yards.

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Tampa Bay hit a rough patch after opening the season 6-2. Many praised quarterback Baker Mayfield as an MVP candidate despite numerous injuries on offense. However, since the bye week, the Bucs are 1-4 and now find themselves fighting with the Panthers for the division, while Mayfield works through a shoulder injury. Tampa needs a win this week to build momentum heading into Week 16 against Carolina.

Falcons-Buccaneers start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium | Tampa Bay, Florida
TV channel: Amazon Prime Video, NFL+

Follow along with Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons kick off Week 15 on “Thursday Night Football.”

Live52 updates

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 5:35 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM PST

Baker Mayfield hits Devin Culp for the first TD by a Bucs tight end this season. The Falcons gave them so much help on that drive.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM PST

The Falcons bail out the Buccaneers with their 13th penalty to give them first-and-goal. Unbelievable.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:13 PM PST

Mike Evans is back, in vintage form. He just big-brothered Cobee Bryant on a jump ball for a 45-yard gain.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:08 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:05 PM PST

The Falcons commit their 11th penalty, then come up short on 3rd-and-14. Here comes the punt team.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:03 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 7:02 PM PST

We’re back for the second half, which the Falcons open with a 16-yard pass to Bijan Robinson.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:59 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:59 PM PST

Baker Mayfield: 9-for-19, 145 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

Kirk Cousins: 12-for-16, 156 yards 2 TD, 0 INT

Kyle Pitts: 6 catches, 111 yards, 2 TDs on 6 targets

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:48 PM PST

Chase McLaughlin closes the first half with a 52 yard field goal, continuing a perfect 10-for-10 run this season from at least 50 yards out.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:46 PM PST

The Buccaneers were at their own 26 with 33 seconds. Then a 15-yard penalty on Dee Alford. Then a 33-yard pass to Mike Evans. Now they’re at the Falcons’ 26.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:44 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:41 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:39 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:39 PM PST

Kirk Cousins completes a 35-yard pass to Kyle Pitts, then a 17-yard pass to Pitts for a touchdown. With top receiver Drake London still out, the tight end is up to 110 yards and two touchdowns tonight.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM PST

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:32 PM PST

And the drive stalls out from there. Chase McLaughlin is good from 49 yards out to give the Bucs the lead.

Thu, December 11, 2025 at 6:29 PM PST

Baker Mayfield is dealing. 12 yards to Mike Evans, 12 yards to Emeka Egbuka, 19 yards to Jalen McMillan on three straight plays. Tampa Bay is nearing the red zone.