TAMPA, Fla. -- The Atlanta Falcons are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night in a crucial divisional matchup. Although the Falcons (4-9) have been eliminated from postseason contention, the struggling Bucs (7-6), who have lost four of their past five after a hot start, are tied atop the NFC South with the Carolina Panthers. This game is a rematch of the season opener, a 23-20 Buccaneers victory. Michael Penix Jr., who's out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, was the starting quarterback for the Falcons that day, but Kirk Cousins will be leading the way Thursday. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield got some good news Wednesday when receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, who will be making his season debut, were activated from the injured reserve list. Make sure to stay tuned for the biggest plays and highlights when the game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Bay looks to keep its lead in the NFC South against a divisional opponent. The Sporting News has the latest updates and highlights from Thursday's game on Week 15.

NFC South opponents meet when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) and the Atlanta Falcons (4-9) square off on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium.

The Falcons will try to pull off an upset as 5.5-point underdogs.