The Carolina Panthers (4-11) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7). Tampa needs to win to maintain a realistic chance at the NFC South and to make the playoffs. Our Panthers vs Buccaneers prediction is for underdog Carolina to keep the game within the 9-point spread.
Head-to-head, Carolina leads with a 25-23 record.
Offshore Odds: Tampa is a Heavy Favorite
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | +9 (-115) | +340 | O 48 (-110) |
| Buccaneers | -9 (-105) | -420 | U 48 (-110) |
Carolina Can Continue Playing Spoiler
Carolina’s 4-11 record looks terrible on paper, but it needs to be put into its proper context.
They lost seven of their first eight games. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young was already being labeled a bust due to his poor performance and former Panthers head coach Frank Reich’s alleged preference for C.J. Stroud.
However, in their last seven games, they are 3-4. Although that is below .500, they have been competitive even in games they lost. They shook the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and knocked the Cardinals out of playoff contention. In their first meeting this season with the Bucs in Week 13, they forced the game to overtime before losing.
Carolina is solid against the pass and the Bucs’ Baker Mayfield’s strength is throwing downfield. The Panthers have had a good running game this season, but starting back Chuba Hubbard has been put on injured reserve with a calf injury. Tampa is 10th in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game.
The Bucs’ Loss in Dallas Severely Damaged Their Hopes
Tampa controlled its destiny until their 26-24 loss to the Cowboys in Week 16. Now they are tied with Atlanta for first place in the NFC South. The Falcons won both the games against Tampa, giving them the tiebreaker.
Still, the Bucs’ schedule is weaker than Atlanta’s. If they beat Carolina and New Orleans, Atlanta needs to win both its games to take the division. The Falcons play Carolina in Week 18. But their Week 17 matchup against Washington. It is tantamount to a playoff game since the Commanders also need to win.
Tampa has been streaky all season. Against the Panthers, they will be without wide receiver Sterling Shapard and tight end Cade Otton. Scoring points have not been a problem for Tampa. Allowing too many points has been.
Panthers vs Buccaneers Prediction: Carolina Keeps it Within 9 Points
The Panthers are not backing down, nor looking toward next season. They’re fighting. Given how they’ve played, they’re set to give Tampa all they can handle. But the Bucs know what’s at stake and are not going to let Carolina knock them out. The Bucs will win, but will not cover the point spread.
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