The final week of the NFL regular season is upon us, and one of the most consequential games for the playoffs is the Carolina Panthers vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers sit atop the division with an 8-8 record, followed by the Buccaneers at 7-9.
The path to the playoffs is much easier for the Panthers, who have two outs compared to the Buccaneers’ one. The Panthers clinch the division with a win over the Buccaneers or with a loss to the Buccaneers combined with a win by the Atlanta Falcons. The Buccaneers need to beat both the Panthers and the Falcons to secure the division.
Take a look at who will be on the call for the playoff-determining matchup.
Who are the Commentators for the Buccaneers-Panthers Game?
Chris Fowler will lead the booth in the intra-divisional matchup between the NFC South teams. Fowler is a veteran sports broadcaster with ESPN, best known as the lead play-by-play announcer for College GameDay and other major college football games.
He joined ESPN in 1986 following his graduation from the University of Colorado in 1985. Over the years, he has become one of the primary voices in sports broadcasting, recognized for his extensive knowledge of sports and engaging delivery during games.
Next is Dan Orlovsky, the former NFL quarterback who played from 2005 to 2017 after being drafted by the Detroit Lions. He also played with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Buccaneers. Orlovsky transitioned to a broadcasting career after his playing days, joining ESPN as an analyst. Given his professional quarterback background, he provides insight into offensive strategy and game situations.
Another former NFL player on the call is Louis Riddick, a retired safety who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and played for the Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and, at the time, the Oakland Raiders.
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Riddick also built a career in the NFL front office, advancing to Director of Pro Personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. Now, he serves as an analyst across the NFL and college football.
On the sidelines will be Katie George, a University of Louisville graduate with a degree in communications. George will provide real-time reporting, observations, and interviews from the sideline.
Finally, Peter Schrager rounds out the commentary team. Schrager joined ESPN in 2025 as an NFL analyst and contributes to a wide range of the network’s programming. He has also worked for FOX and FS1 and previously hosted NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.”
You can catch this commentary team and a pivotal divisional matchup with major playoff implications on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
