The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers meet Sunday in NFL action from Bank of America Stadium. Tampa Bay had a four-game win streak snapped by the Saints in their last outing, dropping the Buccaneers to 8-8 on the year. As for Carolina, they’re just 2-14 this season following a shutout loss to the Jaguars. Let’s get into our Buccaneers vs. Panthers prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers managed a rough 4-7 run to start the year but they’ve since gone 4-1 in the last five games. Tampa Bay has beaten the Panthers, Falcons, Packers and Jaguars in that time. So far the Bucs are averaging 21.2 points per game with 231.1 yards per game and 28 touchdowns (with 10 interceptions) coming via the pass.
In their last matchup with the Saints back on Sunday, the Buccaneers were way behind 20-0 by the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay posted some cosmetic points from there but still lost 23-13. Baker Mayfield put up 309 yards with two scores and two interceptions, while Rachaad White led the rushing attack with 42 yards on 11 carries.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Facts
- The underdogs have won each of the Buccaneers’ last four games.
- The Buccaneers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight road games.
- The Buccaneers have lost the first quarter in six of their last eight Sunday games against teams that held a losing record.
- The underdogs have won the first half in each of the Buccaneers’ last four games.
- The Buccaneers have scored the first touchdown in eight of their last nine road games against NFC South opponents.
Carolina Panthers
Over on the Panthers’ side, they’ve only been able to win two games this year over the Texans and Falcons. Carolina is sitting on consecutive losses to the Packers and Jaguars as well. Much of the issue comes from the Panthers’ inability to score, as they’re averaging just 14.8 points per game with 23 total touchdowns alongside 49 touchdowns allowed on defense.
Carolina’s latest loss came on Sunday versus Jacksonville, The Panthers gave up points in all four quarters and couldn’t find the scoreboard themselves in a 26-0 shutout loss. Bryce Young threw for just 112 yards and a pick, while Chuba Hubbard had 45 yards rushing. Tops in receiving was Adam Thielen with 38 yards off six grabs.
Carolina Panthers Team Facts
- The Panthers have won four of their last five games as home underdogs against NFC South opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Panthers’ last four games.
- The Panthers have won the first quarter in each of their last three January games against the Buccaneers.
- The Panthers have lost the first half in each of their last 11 Sunday games.
- The Panthers have scored the first touchdown in six of their last eight home games against the Buccaneers.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Panthers rank 32nd in the NFL in yards per game this season (269.4).
- The Panthers rank 32nd in the NFL in sacks this season (24.0).
- The Buccaneers rank 32nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game this season (260.3).
- The Buccaneers rank 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game this season (87.3).
ANDREW’S FREE BUCCANEERS VS PANTHERS PREDICTION
I’ll stick with the Buccaneers in this one. Probably not touching it, though. Tampa Bay needs to shake off their rough loss to the Saints. In that one the Bucs managed just 13 first downs and 349 total yards overall (292 passing). The four turnovers made a mess of things as well. That said, the Buccaneers should match up a lot better in this one. Tampa Bay had scored 29 or more points in three straight games prior to their latest loss, and they’ll probably hit that mark again on Sunday.
As for the Panthers, there aren’t many positives to point to in their latest loss. Carolina managed just seven first downs and 124 total yards (67 passing) in the shutout, which means they’ve been at 18 or fewer points in nine of the last 10 games. The Panthers lost 21-18 the last time these teams met up, and I think this time the margin will be even bigger.