Falcons Stun the Bucs 😳 Kirk Cousins & Kyle Pitts Put on a Show in Wild 29-28 Finish

Image Source :: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

If you’re into gritty divisional football, this Falcons vs Buccaneers game delivered exactly that — and then some. On Thursday Night Football in Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off a stunning 29–28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, capped by a walk-off field goal as time expired. Reuters

Let’s break down how this game unfolded, why it matters for both clubs, and how key players like Kyle Pitts and Kirk Cousins shaped the night.

A Game of Two Halves

From the jump, this felt like a typical NFC South battle — physical, unpredictable, and with major division standings implications.

Tampa Bay came out strong. The Buccaneers struck first with an efficient drive that ended in a short touchdown run by Sean Tucker. Their offense looked comfortable moving the ball, and Tampa built a 28-14 lead early in the fourth quarter, highlighted by passes from Baker Mayfield and key plays from their skill players. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

But then the momentum swung dramatically.

Atlanta — already eliminated from playoff contention — rallied behind a nearly flawless second half led by Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. Trailing by two scores, Atlanta did what good quarterbacks are paid for: kept their offense on schedule and made big plays when it counted most. Cousins threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, all to the standout Kyle Pitts. Reuters

Down the stretch, Cousins drew up clutch conversions — including a fourth-and-14 completion — to keep the drive alive and set up kicker Zane Gonzalez with a 43-yard field goal as time expired. That kick sealed a dramatic 29-28 Falcons score and snapped a frustrating skid for Atlanta. Reuters

Kyle Pitts Breaks Out in a Big Way

Here’s the thing: Atlanta needed someone to step up, and Kyle Pitts Sr. delivered.

Pitts was dominant from start to finish, finishing with 11 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns — one of the best single-game performances of his career and his first 100-yard game of the season. That effort put him among the rare tight ends in NFL history to reach 150+ receiving yards and three scores in a game. New York Post

For a tight end, those are monster stats. But you don’t just notice it on the box score — Pitts was consistently open, fought through contact, and made plays in tight coverage that kept Atlanta’s comeback alive.

Even with a season that hasn’t always delivered pointed consistency, Pitts’ performance here is exactly the sort of game-changing night Atlanta hoped to get from him. Kyle Pitts stats from this one are impossible to ignore, and they put him firmly among the key offensive weapons in the NFC South conversation. New York Post

Tampa Bay’s Roller-Coaster Season Takes Another Turn

For the Buccaneers, this game was supposed to be a step toward solidifying their grip on the NFC South. They came into Week 15 with a 7–6 record and still very much in the hunt for playoff positioning. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Instead, the loss dropped them to 7–7 and further behind in the division — now trailing the Carolina Panthers. They’ve now lost five of six games, a skid no one expected back in October. Reuters

Mayfield gave Tampa Bay plenty of opportunities, throwing for 277 yards and two touchdowns in the loss — but his late interception was a killer, swinging momentum back to Atlanta when it mattered most. Reuters

Add it up and the Bucs find themselves in a really uncomfortable spot:

• A division they once controlled is suddenly up for grabs

• Their offense looks talented but inconsistent

• Their defense made big mistakes late

This loss wasn’t just a one-off upset — it could have ripple effects on how Tampa Bay approaches the final weeks of the season.

Turning Point Moments

These kinds of games often turn on tiny decisions and singular plays — and in this matchup, there were a few that stand out:

• Fourth-and-14 Conversion: Without Cousins’ clutch completion on late downs, Atlanta never gets the field goal attempt. Reuters

• Late Interception: Mayfield’s pick late in the fourth gave Atlanta life. Reuters

• Penalty Mess: Atlanta set a franchise record with 19 penalties, a bizarre footnote in what otherwise feels like a clean win. Reuters

It’s those fine margins — combined with big plays — that often decide division races.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams

Falcons

Atlanta is out of playoff contention, sure. But they end this stretch with momentum, confidence, and a reason to watch closely in the offseason. A win like this does more than improve the record; it gives belief to a group that’s struggled to find consistency. Players like Pitts and Cousins showed up in a big moment.

Their next game is on the road against Arizona, and expectations will shift now that they know they can beat a well-respected divisional rival. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers

Tampa Bay still has control over their destiny in the NFC South — technically — but the margin for error just got razor thin. With two head-to-head matchups against Carolina coming up, Tampa Bay can’t afford another slip.

For Bucs fans wondering where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons next, the remaining schedule will likely decide if this season ends with playoff football or an early offseason. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Where to Watch Next Time

If you missed this one live, future Falcons vs Buccaneers games are typically available on Prime Video, local FOX affiliates, and NFL+, with kickoff times and broadcast details shifting week to week. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For the next Tampa Bay Buccaneers game or Atlanta Falcons game, always check your local listings or the official NFL schedule for updated where to watch information.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line: this Falcons vs Buccaneers contest didn’t just end with a 29–28 score — it reshaped the NFC South narrative. Holiday week drama isn’t new in the NFL, but seeing Atlanta rally from a 14-point deficit against a division contender like Tampa Bay was something special.

Whether you’re tracking Falcons score trends, watching Buccaneers score recaps for playoff implications, or just following stars like Kyle Pitts, this game had something for everyone.

Football fans — especially in a wild division like the NFC South — couldn’t ask for a better Thursday night finish.

References

1. ESPN: Week 15 NFL highlights: TNF’s best plays, moments and touchdowns (Falcons vs Buccaneers) — https://www.espn.in/nfl/story/_/id/47279271/nfl-week-15-thursday-highlights-best-plays-moments-touchdowns-falcons-buccaneers ESPN

2. Buccaneers.com: Falcons 29, Buccaneers 28 – Rapid Reaction — https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-lose-atlanta-falcons-week-15-score-29-28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3. Reuters: Falcons last-second field goal caps rally, sinks Bucs — available via news sources Reuters

4. Buccaneers.com: How to Watch Falcons at Buccaneers in Week 15 — https://www.buccaneers.com/news/how-to-watch-falcons-at-buccaneers-week-15-2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers