By Vic Tafur, Tashan Reed and RJ Kraft
Tampa Bay’s third straight win — a 28-13 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders — has put the Buccaneers (7-6) atop the NFC South.
For the first time in his career, Bucs running back Rachaad White had a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. He now has eight scores on the year.
Rachaad White AGAIN! His first career game with a rushing and receiving TD 🔥🔥
📺: #LVvsTB on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/ovLPYREwDI— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw three touchdowns, but was also responsible for three turnovers. The game was not without its losses for the Buccaneers as All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. left the game in the first half with a knee injury. Rookie running back Bucky Irving also exited the contest with a back injury.
Late in the third quarter, the Raiders lost quarterback Aidan O’Connell to a knee injury. The second-year signal caller was carted off and ruled out, replaced by Desmond Ridder. While the Raiders lost their ninth straight game, rookie tight end Brock Bowers (three catches for 49 yards) passed Sam LaPorta for the most tight end receptions by a rookie with 87.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars winning, Las Vegas now holds the No. 1 pick over the New York Giants as both 2-11 teams vie for the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Entering Sunday’s game, Las Vegas had a 31 percent chance at the selection, per Austin Mock’s model.
Win streak vaults Tampa to top of NFC South
With its third win in a row, Tampa Bay has taken the division lead in the NFC South over Atlanta, which dropped its fourth-straight game in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Moving forward, the Bucs now control their destiny as they attempt to make the playoffs for the fifth season in a row
If the Bucs win their last four games — against the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints — they’re guaranteed to make the postseason. There isn’t much margin for error since they lost both of their games with the Falcons this season. Taking the big-picture view, there could be consequences for coach Todd Bowles if they squander this opportunity. — Tashan Reed, Raiders beat writer
Raiders ride with McCormick
The Raiders have been dead last in rushing all season, but second-year player Sincere McCormick continued to give them new life. The former practice squad player ran for 78 yards on 15 carries and caught two passes for 11 yards in the loss. Running backs Alexander Mattison and Zamir White missed their straight games with injuries. While it does appear that Mattison is nearing a return, the Raiders are just going to ride with McCormick. — Vic Tafur, Raiders senior writer
GO DEEPER
Raiders RB Sincere McCormick ready to take advantage of his opportunity and run with it
Trio of takeaways keep Vegas in game
After getting torched on the first two drives of the game, the Raiders’ defense buckled down and held the Buccaneers scoreless until the fourth quarter. It obviously wasn’t enough, but the defense had three takeaways after only having five all season.
One of those was their first fumble recovery of the season, by Tre’von Moehrig. Defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson and defensive back Jack Jones had interceptions, as the pass rush led by Maxx Crosby clearly frustrated Mayfield. — Tafur
Sloppy second quarter prevents easy W for Bucs
Early on, the Buccaneers looked well on their way to blowing out the Raiders. Tampa jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The Raiders, who’d already lost eight games in a row coming into the game, appeared to be severely outmatched. Then, in the second quarter, everything changed. Tampa Bay committed three turnovers and the Raiders capitalized with 10 points to make it a game before halftime. The Bucs suddenly went from being on the edge of enjoying a cushy victory to finding themselves in a dog fight.
The Bucs’ defense eventually found its footing, but the offense remained stuck in a rut after its hot start. Overall, Tampa Bay had six consecutive scoreless drives before ending their drought on a touchdown run by White midway through the fourth quarter. While the Bucs ultimately pulled the game out, it’ll eventually come back to bite them if they keep having sloppy performances like this one. — Reed
Required reading
(Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
