Who’s Playing Thursday Night Football Tonight? NFL Game Start Time and TV Details for Buccaneers vs Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football on December 11, 2025. The NFC South rivals meet at Raymond James Stadium as both teams fight to stabilize their postseason hopes. The game features a second matchup between the teams after Tampa Bay’s narrow win in Week 1.

The main focus is on who is playing, when the game starts, and where fans can watch. Both teams enter the week with injuries that shape their game plans. The Buccaneers are 7-6, while the Falcons are 4-9 and trying to avoid another late-season slide.

Thursday Night Football: Buccaneers vs Falcons Matchup and Start Time

The Buccaneers will take the field with quarterback Baker Mayfield expected to start. His performance has fluctuated in recent weeks due to offensive injuries, including issues at tackle and missing receivers. The team has relied more on its running backs, who combined for 137 rushing yards last week.

Star receiver Mike Evans has a chance to return after missing time with a collarbone injury. His presence would boost a passing attack that struggled against New Orleans. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka continues to see targets but has faced tight coverage and limited production in recent weeks.

The Falcons arrive with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the offense. Rookie passer Michael Penix Jr. is out for the season after a Week 11 injury. Atlanta also enters the night without wide receiver Drake London, who is sidelined with a knee issue. The Falcons have leaned heavily on running back Bijan Robinson, who continues to be their most consistent offensive option.

Atlanta’s defense is a strength. The unit ranks among the league’s best against the pass and played a key role early in the season. Recent struggles, however, have placed added pressure on the offense to keep pace. The Buccaneers counter with one of the NFL’s strongest run defenses, which could force Atlanta to throw more than usual.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans in Tampa can watch on WTVT (FOX 13), while viewers in Atlanta can tune in to WAGA (FOX 5). Thursday Night Football streams on Prime Video in markets outside the teams’ local broadcast areas.

How This NFC South Matchup Shapes the Division

The Buccaneers need a win to maintain their position ahead of Carolina in the tight NFC South standings. A loss would create a potential tie entering Week 16. Tampa Bay’s late-season struggles have erased the cushion they held before the bye week.

The Falcons look to halt an extended slump after losing seven of their last eight games. The team continues to evaluate younger players while attempting to compete in a division with no dominant leader. The game also marks a key opportunity for Cousins to stabilize the offense.

Both teams have experienced major swings throughout the year, and Thursday night could influence playoff scenarios across the conference. A close, physical matchup is expected based on earlier meetings between these teams.

Thursday Night Football features Buccaneers vs Falcons, start time at 8:15 p.m. ET, and local broadcasts in Tampa and Atlanta. Both teams enter with postseason implications on the line.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is playing on Thursday Night Football tonight?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15. The game is played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Q2: What time does Thursday Night Football start?

The game begins at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time. Local broadcasts are available in Tampa and Atlanta.

Q3: What channel is Thursday Night Football on?

The game airs on WTVT (FOX 13) in Tampa and WAGA (FOX 5) in Atlanta. It streams on Prime Video outside local markets.

Q4: Who are the key players to watch tonight?

Mike Evans may return for Tampa Bay. Kirk Cousins leads the Falcons, while Bijan Robinson remains a major focus of their offense.

Q5: How does this game affect the NFC South standings?

Tampa Bay can maintain its division lead with a win. Atlanta looks to break a losing stretch and stay competitive late in the season.