Panthers vs Buccaneers: Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

The Carolina Panthers are confronting the possibility that their head coach, Matt Rhule, might get fired after this game, which would end his second failing season on the job in Charlotte.

It’s a fascinating game in terms of gauging which team plays with clarity and enthusiasm. It’s no sure thing, so let’s dive in with betting preview and see which side is the better option for NFL odds.

Panthers vs Buccaneers + Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Panthers Stumbling As Season Concludes

The Panthers lost to the New Orleans Saints, 18-10, last Sunday. Their woes continued, especially with the offense,. Coach Rhule looks to be a man utterly out of answers or ideas and someone with no clue about how to fix the Panthers’ pronounced problems.

This team has won only twice since their 3-0 start in September. The defense is entirely respectable, but the offense has been disastrous, repeatedly.

Quarterback Sam Darnold did not play well before suffering a mid-season season, but after the Panthers brought back Cam Newton from the Patriots, nothing improved.

Carolina won one game against the then-reeling Cardinals, but that was it. The team resumed its offensive power outage, with a creaky offensive line getting Newton banged up.

Darnold has been reinserted, without success. This is a rudderless offense heading into the final game of a miserable season.

The two big names on the Panthers’ injury report heading into this game are offensive tackle Cameron Irving and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

They’re out for this game, leaving an already fragile team even more short-handed against the Bucs.

The Panthers are 5-11 against the spread and 7-9 in over-unders this season.

How Will Bucs Respond Post-Brown Outburst?

The Bucs were outplayed by the New York Jets much of the day last Sunday. They trailed 24-10 late in the third quarter. However, they rallied with 18 straight points for a 28-24 win.

Tom Brady threw the game-winning touchdown pass with 15 seconds left, enabling the Bucs to stay alive in the race for the No. 2 seed in the NFC. However, receiver Antonio Brown left the game after being benched by head coach Bruce Arians.

He basically declared he was quitting, so he will not play in this game or any playoff game. His Tampa Bay career is done, very probably his NFL career as well.

The Buccaneers are 8-8 against the spread and 8-8 in over-unders.

The Bucs know Antonio Brown is out. Receiver Chris Godwin is done for the year. Linebacker Shaq Barrett is listed as out, while running back Ronald Jones is listed as questionable.

Panthers vs Buccaneers Game Information

• Game: Carolina Panthers (5-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4)
• Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• Television: CBS
• Panthers vs Buccaneers Live Stream: NFL Game Pass (External link can be used to streaming service)

Panthers vs Buccaneers Betting Lines

The point spread is simply betting on the margin of victory. However, if you bet on the money line, it’s strictly the outright winner of the game. As for the total, that’s the combined score of the game.

Panthers vs Bucs Prediction

The two teams last met just two weeks ago. Tampa Bay beat Carolina, 32-6, and covered in the sportsbook. The Buccaneers’ defense dominated the game, taking advantage of a horrible Panther offensive line.

That unit has been a sieve this season in front of quarterbacks Newton and Darnold. Tampa Bay cruised to victory in one of the easier wins of the campaign.

The Panthers’ offense is awful. The Bucs’ weakness-defending the downfield pass-should not be exposed by Carolina. Tampa Bay win comfortably, despite mounting roster limitations. They’re the best choice if you bet online.

Parlay: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -9  (+105) and Under 41½ (-110) at $290

Pick: Under 41½ (-110)

Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -9