The Carolina Panthers offense is operating like a well-oiled machine right now, which is great news for their bettors ahead of a crucial matchup with the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second-last game of the season.
Sportsbook opened the Panthers as 10-point home favorites with a total of 46.5.
- The Buccaneers are 2-7 SU in their last nine games in the early afternoon.
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the Panthers’ last 14 games against their division at home.
- The Buccaneers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games against the Panthers.
Carolina has put up a combined 62 points in consecutive wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers to improve to 10-4 SU on the year. New Orleans tops the NFC South, but the Panthers and Atlanta Falcons occupy the NFC wild-card spots heading into this weekend. With a win over Tampa, the Panthers can clinch their fourth playoff berth in five years.
The return of tight end Greg Olsen has been massive for the Panthers, as the veteran caught nine passes for 116 yards and a score against Green Bay. Olsen is looking like his normal self after missing the majority of the year with a foot injury. Running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey have also stepped up, evidenced by Stewart going off for three touchdowns vs Minnesota and McCaffrey’s 136 yards from scrimmage and a score against the Pack.
After starting the campaign at 2-1 SU, it’s been all downhill from there for the Bucs. Entering Week 16 with a disappointing record of 4-9 SU, the Buccaneers have not beaten a team with a winning record in 2017. Tampa Bay lost at home to the Panthers in Week 8 by a score of 17-3, and they haven’t beaten Cam Newton in Charlotte since 2012.
The UNDER is paying out when the Panthers and Bucs get together, as each of the past three clashes between the squads has gone below the closing total.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Carolina Panthers were 9.5-point favorites at oddsmaker shops such as Sportsbook, while the NFL total was set at 46.5 for OVER/UNDER totals betting.
OddsShark NFL prediction models pointed to a 33-14 result in favor of the Panthers on Sunday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Carolina Panthers sit at 10-4 (9-4-1 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently 4-10 (4-9-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the totals? Carolina is 9-5 OU, and Tampa Bay is 7-7 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Carolina vs Tampa Bay injuries news.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Panthers rated this week at No. 10 and the Buccaneers sitting at No. 22.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Carolina Panthers' No. 12-ranked offense (23.64 PPG) against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that ranks No. 22 at 24 PPG. The Panthers passing attack has averaged 198.29 yards per game, less than the Buccaneers give up through the air (271.29 YPG on average).
Defensively, the Buccaneers feature the league's No. 31-rated road run defense, allowing 148.43 yards per game. The Panthers, meanwhile, rank No. 1 in rushing offense at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Jameis Winston beat the Falcons secondary for 3 TDs last time out, but the Buccaneers lost to Atlanta 24-21 at Raymond James Stadium.
In their last game, the Panthers got 4 passing scores out of Cam Newton en route to a 31-24 win over the Packers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
- Tampa Bay is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games
- Tampa Bay is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
- Tampa Bay is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
- Carolina is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
- Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 5 games
- Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Tampa Bay home to New Orleans, Sunday, December 31
Carolina at Atlanta, Sunday, December 31
