Buccaneers Kick Off Season with Divisional Win Over Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off the 2025 NFL season with a dramatic victory, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 23-20 in an NFC South divisional duel that came down to the final seconds.

Baker Mayfield Leads the Victory

Quarterback Baker Mayfield once again responded in the heat of the moment. He threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns, showing great chemistry with wide receiver Mike Evans, who added over 100 yards and a score to keep Tampa in the fight.

Falcons Battled to the End

The Falcons found offensive consistency with Kirk Cousins, who recorded 280 yards and two touchdown passes. However, a fourth-quarter interception by the Buccaneers' defense proved decisive, cutting short what seemed like a promising drive to victory.

Wide receiver Drake London was Cousins' most reliable weapon, totaling 8 receptions, 110 yards, and a touchdown, although his effort fell short of sealing the victory.

Decisive Field Goal

With the score tied at 20 and less than a minute left, Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin kicked a 47-yard field goal that sealed the victory for Tampa Bay, silencing the Atlanta crowd.

Up Next

Buccaneers: They will look to extend their strong start when they face the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

Falcons: They will try to bounce back when they visit the Carolina Panthers, in another key divisional duel for their aspirations.

With this result, the Buccaneers start with confidence and confirm that they will continue to be a difficult opponent in the NFC South, while the Falcons will need to correct their mistakes if they want to compete in a very competitive division.