Expert prediction
NFL Week 18: Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview, Odds, Picks (Jan 3)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Panthers vs. Buccaneers odds favor Tampa Bay by 2.5 points.
- The Panthers won the first meeting 23-20 two weeks ago.
- Whoever wins here takes the NFC South division.
There can’t be a better scenario for the NFL fans, with these two teams coming into the last week battling for a playoff spot. Whoever comes out as the winner here takes the 4th seed.
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How to Watch
- When: Saturday, January 3, 4:30 pm ET
- Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
- How to Watch: ABC
Panthers vs. Buccaneers Odds
Game Preview
Carolina’s offense was exposed by the Seahawks last weekend, as Seattle won 27-10. Bryce Young was invisible for most of the game, and eventually, ended the event with a miserable 54 passing yards and one pick. He ran for one touchdown and 27 yards, yet that was too low.
This was yet another terrible performance by a team that attempts to win an NFL division, and it perfectly displays the weakness of this assembly compared to, for example, the NFC West.
The Buccaneers have 4 straight losses and look terrible. The most recent was on the road against the written off Dolphins, 20-17, and may we add that Miami played with a backup QB.
What can we say about these losses? They were all within 4 points, and the Buccaneers’ trend of games within one possession continues. Only now, Tampa Bay is on the losing side.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers Head to Head
Two weeks ago, Carolina won at home, 23-20. Young had 191 passing yards for two touchdown passes, while the Panthers ran for 101 yards.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers Predictions
The Buccaneers are in a terrible situation, and the Panthers oscillate way too much. If you ask us, we would bet on UNDER 44.5 points, because of the stakes, and the fact that neither unit plays well under pressure.
Free NFL Picks: Under 44.5 points
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