The Week 15 late afternoon window of games on Sunday is filled with key matchups set impact some of the NFL's prominent contenders in the AFC and NFC alike. Perhaps the hidden gem in this collection will be the matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers.
Both teams are in position to clinch spots in the postseason, but will need to do their work in the final four weeks to make sure that status does not change. Of the two, the Bucs may be on thinner ice heading into this matchup.
Tampa Bay holds a one-game advantage in the NFC South race, but a loss combined with an Atlanta Falcons win returns control to the rival with no guaranteed opportunity to reclaim the first place positioning.
For the Bucs to stave off those concerns, they will need a polished showing on the offensive side than they have put together in the last two weeks. They are riding a three-game winning streak heading into this game, but know full well the Chargers will not hesitate to make them pay for any errors.
Specifically the onus falls on the shoulders of Baker Mayfield to play cleaner than he has of late. Mayfield has four interceptions, taken eight sacks and lost a fumble in his last eight quarters plus an overtime of football.
"Normally you have your guys that every once in a while might need a breather... on early downs... that's not the case when you play these guys," Mayfield said. "They have guys they can rotate in and feel really good about it.
"They don't beat themselves. They do a good job of taking care of the football... and forcing teams to beat themselves and taking advantage of those mistakes."
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The Chargers defense, abundant with talent, ranks fifth in the league in total sacks (39.0) with a turnover difference of +11. Los Angeles ranks 10th in the league in takeaways at 17, but the difference reflects the true danger of this group.
As Mayfield hints at, any mistakes on part of the Bucs' offense creates chances for the Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert. Los Angeles come into this game having lost two of their last three, so there will be an added incentive to get back on track in their return home.
Taking care of the ball and attention to detail will be important for Mayfield and the rest of the Bucs in this matchup. But execution in those areas could have the Bucs in a good spot for what would be a massive road victory.
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 12:43 PM.