| Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (7-7) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, December 21, 1:00 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | |||
| Where to Watch: FOX |
Week 16 Matchup
The NFC South is hanging in the balance with only three weeks left in the season, and bettors could win big when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Carolina Panthers. After coming off brutal losses, both teams are looking to get the upper hand in this divisional showdown. With both teams’ playoff lives on the line, this game could be close for bettors on Sunday.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | -3 | -162 | Over 45.5 |
| Carolina Panthers | +3 | +136 | Under 45.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| 23.4 | Points Per Game | 18.9 |
| 203.4 | Passing Yards Per Game | 183.4 |
| 113.2 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 125.6 |
| 25.3 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 22.6 |
| 246.9 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 215.5 |
| 101.4 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 116.0 |
Statistics from various online sources, courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This season has been anything but normal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with their 7-7 record being abnormal. Tampa Bay has been having an inconsistent season with injuries to its wide receivers and running backs throughout the season.Â
While the Bucs are getting healthy, they have suffered a brutal loss to the Falcons on Thursday night, and could face a challenge in the Panthers. The Bucs offense has been inconsistent, with Baker Mayfield having guts as a runner, but also making crucial mistakes with overthrows and missing receivers. Tampa Bay defense, however, is elite in the defensive front with Vita Vea still being a monster, but their secondary has been having issues with letting receivers get space for catches.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina is on the cusp of winning the division, and this game could be the one that could determine their playoff fate. After a crushing loss to the Saints, the Panthers are coming home facing an injured and demoralized Bucs team.Â
Carolina’s offense has been a mixed bag with Bryce Young being inconsistent for them behind center, but it has a decent running game with Rico Dowdle having strong games this season. The Panthers’ defense is also weird, allowing 22 points a game but winning close games against the Cowboys and other tough opponents.
Prediction
This game, as Las Vegas predicts, could be a close one, and momentum is not helping both teams, but with the injuries still affecting them, the Carolina Panthers could win this game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the injuries affecting the Bucs, even with Mike Evans coming back, the offense has not been in sync, and it could unfold against the Panthers. While the Panthers are not the best team, they have been getting hot before their loss and could steal this game against the Bucs.
