Buccaneers vs. Panthers preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch Sunday's game
The NFC South title is on the line in Charlotte in Week 18.
The NFL's Week 18 slate of divisional matchups includes games that could decide division winners. That's the case in the NFC South where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) head on the road to take on the Carolina Panthers (2-14) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Buccaneers' 23-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week means this is a must-win matchup in order to take the NFC South crown. Tampa Bay's offense had a season-high four turnovers in that one to snap a four-game winning streak. Quarterback Baker Mayfield still had a solid game despite the loss, completing 22 of 33 passes for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Panthers did give him trouble in their Week 13 matchup, though, as he had a season-low 144 yards passing.
Carolina's 26-0 loss on the road to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week made headlines for off-the-field behavior by owner David Tepper, who was fined $300,000 for throwing a drink at Jaguars fans in the stands. Quarterback Bryce Young was sacked six times and the offense mustered a season-low 124 total yards. There's little to play for at this point for Carolina, who won't own the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft despite having the worst record in the league.
If the Buccaneers win this game, the NFC South title is theirs. If they lose, that opens the door for the winner of the Atlanta Falcons-New Orleans Saints matchup happening during the early slate as well.
Week 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers predictions
Arizona Republic: Buccaneers 27, Panthers 14
Jeremy Cluff writes: "The Buccaneers are the NFC South champions with a win in Carolina. If you can't beat the Panthers in the last game of the season, you don't deserve to make the postseason."
Pickswise: Buccaneers -4.5
Chris Farley says: "In any case, TB’s roster is composed of many players who have been in these spots before. In a game of this magnitude, I trust them to step up and keep the Panthers at a distance."
Predictem: Buccaneers -5.5
Darin Zank writes: "We figure the Bucs, with that nice receiving combo of Evans and Godwin, are good for at least 20 points, even against a pretty good Carolina defense. Also, Tampa owns the better performance against common opponents and has had the upper hand in this rivalry recently. We’re giving the points with the Buccaneers on Sunday."
Athlon Sports: Tampa Bay 26, Carolina 15
Staff say: "Tampa Bay has a 3-2 record in games they were favored on the moneyline... This season, Carolina has a 0-2 record ATS in home games when playing as 4.5-point underdogs or more."
How to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers: TV channel and streaming info
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick off against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 1:00 p.m., ET, on FOX. The game can also be streamed on NFL+ and the Fox Sports App.
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Week 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers odds, betting lines
The Buccaneers are favored to defeat the Panthers for a second time this season, according to the BetMGM NFL odds, as of Saturday afternoon.
- Spread: Buccaneers (-4.5)
- Moneyline: Buccaneers (-232); Panthers (+189)
- Over/under: 36.5
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Week 18: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers injury news
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
| Cam Gill | LB | Knee | Questionable for Week 18 |
| K.J. Britt | LB | Calf | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Ryan Jensen | C | Knee | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Carlton Davis | CB | Concussion | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Mike Greene | DT | Calf | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Rakim Jarrett | WR | Quad | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Ko Kieft | TE | Shoulder | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Baker Mayfield | QB | Ribs | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Russell Gage | WR | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Trey Palmer | WR | Hip | Questionable for Week 18 |
Carolina Panthers:
| Player | Position | Injury | Status |
| Marquis Haynes | LB | Concussion | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Johnny Hekker | P | Personal | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Eddy Pineiro | K | Hamstring | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Tae Davis | LB | Illness | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Jaycee Horn | CB | Toe | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Cade Mays | G | Finger | Questionable for Week 18 |
| Amare Barno | LB | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Hayden Hurst | TE | Concussion | Injured Reserve |
| Justin McCray | OG | Calf | Injured Reserve |
| Shaq Green-Thompson | OLB | Lower Leg | Injured Reserve |
| Jonathan Mingo | WR | Foot | Injured Reserve |
| Chandler Zavala | OG | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Ankle | Injured Reserve |
| Luiji Vilain | LB | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Claudin Cherelus | LB | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Chandler Wooten | LB | Ankle | Injured Reserve |
| Dicaprio Bootle | CB | Knee | Injured Reserve |
| Giovanni Ricci | TE | Shoulder | Injured Reserve |
| Austin Corbett | OG | Knee | Injured Reserve |
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