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Expert prediction

NFL Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Preview, Odds, Picks (Dec 21)

  • Nikola Velickovic
  • Dec 17, 2025 at 5:58 AM EST

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Buccaneers vs. Panthers odds favor Tampa Bay at -155.
  • These teams are battling for the NFC South title.
  • The Buccaneers have defeated the Panthers in 9 of the last 10 games.

The divisional matchup, first of two, that will decide who wins the NFC South and secures the spot in the NFL playoffs.

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How to Watch

  • When: Sunday, December 21, 1 pm ET
  • Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
  • How to Watch: FOX

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotals
Buccaneers-155-345.5
Panthers+130+345.5

Game Preview

Tampa Bay is on a severe decline, losing 5 of the last 6 games. Their defense is collapsing, while on the other hand, Baker and the offense can’t consistently deliver as they did earlier this season.

Last weekend, we saw the Bucs losing at home to the Falcons, which was a hard kick in the teeth and a huge disappointment. It was 29-28 for Atlanta, who won with Zane Gonzales’ walk-off 43-yard FG.

The Panthers disappointed their fans. After beating the Rams, they lost to the Saints on the road, 20-17. It was a perfect chance for them to seize the top spot in the NFC South, yet Carolina wasted it.

Bryce Young was stopped in the final period, and he ended the game with 163 passing and 49 rushing yards, and with a TD pass. The run game was solid once again, generating 127 rushing yards but overall, in clutch moments, the Panthers failed to show up.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Head to Head

Tampa Bay won 9 of the last 10 head-to-head games. However, the all-time series score is 25-24 in favor of the Panthers. Last year, Tampa Bay won 26-23 OT in Charlotte and 48-14 at home.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Predictions

The Buccaneers are on the decline, the Panthers are inconsistent, and this game could go either way. UNDER seems to be the best pick here, due to the importance of the game and very unstable offenses on both ends.

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