Our Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers prediction looks at one of the most critical NFC South games in the remaining two weeks of 2023. The winner of this matchup most likely ends the season with the NFC South title.
Let’s take a look at the current NFL betting odds and key storylines to watch and make a prediction for the Panthers vs. Buccaneers game. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Dec. 27.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers Odds
- Spread
- Buccaneers -3
- Moneyline
- Buccaneers -165, Panthers +140
- Over/Under
- 39 points
Panthers vs. Buccaneers Prediction
In Week 6, if someone had told a Panthers fan that Carolina would be playing for a chance at a playoff berth in Week 17, they probably would’ve laughed hysterically. Fast forward 10 weeks and Carolina is attempting to take down Tom Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense for a chance to host a playoff game.
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Steve Wilks has done a fantastic job turning this roster and franchise around following the Panthers’ dismissal of Matt Rhule after Week 5’s 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. From unlocking a trio of dangerous and explosive RBs in D’Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard, and Raheem Blackshear to not being afraid to go with the hot hand at QB, Wilks has faced each issue thrown his way with ease.
It should also be noted that the first win Wilks earned as the interim HC in Carolina was a 21-3 beatdown of the Buccaneers. Although there were no turnovers, the Panthers’ defense allowed just three of Tampa Bay’s 11 drives to gain more than 30 yards.
The Buccaneers have not been playing good football over the last five weeks, and a Carolina win would not seem that crazy. Two more wins to end the season would put Wilks at 7-5 on the season, much more respectable than a 1-4 start and more than impressive enough to consider a chance at the job long-term.
The future isn’t quite as bright in Tampa Bay, though. Early on, it looked as though they could run away with the NFC South. However, some uninspiring performances and critical injuries have hindered Tampa’s chances. The switch from Leonard Fournette to Rachaad White as the primary back has helped the rushing attack, but injuries to the offensive line are still taking their toll.
While the defense started hot, a few games have gotten away from them over the past few weeks, with three opponents scoring 34+ or more points this season. Carolina doesn’t have the offensive consistency to do that kind of damage. However, the unrelenting rushing attack will grind the clock down quickly and not afford the Buccaneers many mess-ups.
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It’s been a long season for the entire NFC South, but someone has to host a playoff game. While a win from Tom Brady and company would clinch the division, expect the final answer to reveal itself in Week 18. The Panthers get the win, setting up a winner-take-all scenario for their Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints if New Orleans beats the Philadelphia Eagles.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers Prediction
Panthers 23, Buccaneers 17