The Carolina Panthers are likely going to make the playoffs, but their seeding will depend on how well they play down the stretch. Carolina still has a chance to win the NFC South and could stay in contention with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 of the regular season.
Tampa Bay has not had the season it expected, but nearly played spoiler last week by pushing the Falcons to the wire. The Bucs would love to deliver a blow to the Panthers in this one but it won’t be easy on the road.
The Panthers have bounced back and would love to make a second run to the Super Bowl in three years. They would increase their chances by winning the division and need to capture this game to have a legitimate shot at that
This contest in Week 16 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +10
Carolina Panthers -10
Over/Under 46
Odds Analysis
The Panthers are sizable double-digit favorites and the betting public is on board with them, as more than 68 percent of the action is on Carolina to cover this spread.
The scoring total is pretty high as both offenses are capable of putting up points behind quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jameis Winston. The “under” is the much more popular choice, with more than 80 percent of the action going that way.
Injury Report
Thomas Davis — The Panthers’ linebacker had been suspended for the final two games of the regular season following an illegal blindside hit on Green Bay Packers’ receiver Davante Adams on Sunday., but it was reduced to one on appeal. Even so, he will miss this contest. Adams left the game following the hit and sustained a concussion, his second of the season. Davis, an All Pro member of Carolina’s defense and former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, is a key player and the team will feel his absence.
Lavonte David — The Buccaneers’ star linebacker missed Monday’s game against the Falcons with a hamstring injury. David has been outstanding for Tampa Bay this season with five fumble recoveries on the season. He also leads the team in tackles and forced fumbles. The Buccaneers will be eager to get him back on field as quickly as possible.
Gerald McCoy —Tampa Bay’s defensive tackle was also missing in action Monday night as he continues to recover from a bicep injury he endured during the team’s loss to the Lions in Week 14. McCoy, who has already torn his bicep twice in his career, does not need surgery for the injury this time around but was unable to participate in practice all last week. The five-time Pro Bowler is another huge piece of the Buccaneers’ defense with a team-high five sacks.
Player To Watch
Winston -- The former No. 1 overall pick has not taken the leap forward expected of him this season, but did have a nice showing last time out against the Falcons. Winston threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns to keep his team in the game, and will need to find similar success in this one in order for the Bucs to have a shot at the upset.
This is a much tougher defense it has to face, though, as the Panthers have standout players in multiple spots, led by linebacker Luke Kuechly. Tampa Bay’s defense is dealing with a ton of injuries, so it seems incumbent upon Winston to have a big game to keep his team close.
Free ATS Pick
The Panthers have played well all year long and are the superior team in this matchup. The Bucs aren’t that good and are riddled with injuries, so it’s easy to see why Carolina is a strong favorite. But 10 points is a pretty high line as the Bucs aren’t a horrible team.
Take the Panthers to win this game, but the Bucs are the choice to cover the spread.
NFL Odds: Panthers 28, Buccaneers 20
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