Surging Bucs look for 3rd straight win, while reeling Raiders aim to end 8-game skid

By The Associated Press The Associated Press

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jacob Kupferman]

Tampa Bay aims for a third straight victory when the Buccaneers host the Las Vegas Raiders, who have lost eight in a row. It’s the third straight last-place team Baker Mayfield has faced as he tries to lead the Bucs out of a mid-season tailspin that threatened the team’s bid for a fourth straight NFC South title. Back-to-back wins over the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers have lifted Tampa Bay into a first-place tie with Atlanta at 6-6, however the Falcons hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Bucs after sweeping the series series between the division rivals. The Raiders are 2-10.