4:25 pm
January 9

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Carolina Panthers (5-11)

@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4)

 

Current odds:

Carolina Panthers: (+400)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (-550)

 

• The spread for the game is Tampa Bay by 10.5 points.

• Tampa Bay could be the NFC’s second, third or fourth seed depending on the final-week outcomes. The Buccaneers must defeat Carolina in order to have a chance for the No. 2 seed behind Green Bay. The Buccaneers are 6-1 at home for the second-best home mark in the NFL, so securing as many chances as possible to play at Raymond James Stadium in January could be critical.

• The Panthers (5-11), losers of six consecutive games, have been eliminated from playoff contention. Two weeks ago, the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South divisional title when they defeated the Panthers 32-6 in Charlotte, N.C.

• Carolina is one loss away from finishing with the worst record in NFL history for a team that started 3-0. The 2001 Chargers and 2012 Cardinals went from 3-0 to 5-11. The Panthers would be 5-12 if they lose the finale. Either way, Carolina is guaranteed a last-place division spot for the second time in three years. The Panthers, who have had four straight losing seasons, finished with five wins in each of the past two seasons.

• The Panthers are dealing with some players still on the COVID protocol list, although there are indications that center Sam Tecklenburg and defensive lineman Darryl Johnson could be back on the field. The offensive line has been in shambles. Darnold was sacked seven times last week by the New Orleans Saints. In four of the most recent string of defeats, the Panthers have failed to score more than 14 points. At least there has been a bit of intrigue involving the quarterback position.

7/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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