ESPN was forced to cut to commercial during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Week 18 game after linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. suffered an ankle injury.

The Carolina Panthers, led by quarterback Bryce Young, face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

NFL referee Brad Allen appeared to admit that the officials screwed over the Panthers in their game vs. the Buccaneers.

Broadcast info: Panthers-Bucs is on both ABC and ESPN (the former is free with a broadcast antenna). “NFL Countdown” begins the pregame window at 2 p.m. on ESPN. Scott Van Pelt anchors a studio desk with Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce, Marcus Spears and others.

NFL fans couldn't believe some of the calls—and lack thereof—made by the officiating crew in Panthers-Buccaneers.

Ahead of Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that could determine the NFC South champion, the Carolina Panthers have likely already made their decision on Bryce Young's fifth-year option.

The Week 18 game between the Panthers and Buccaneers will air on ESPN and ABC. You can tune in to ESPN and ABC through your cable provider, or on streaming platforms like DirecTV, Fubo and more. You can also stream the game on the ESPN App with ESPN Unlimited, or with NFL+ (via phone or tablet only).

The NFL season continues in Week 18 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. Start time, how to watch, stream and NFL TV schedule.

Check out our Panthers vs. Buccaneers how to watch guide to learn when they play and how to stream live for free.

The rain was falling steadily in Tampa throughout the first half of Saturday’s matchup, with the Buccaneers carrying a 13-7 lead over the Panthers into halftime.