Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
When: Sunday, January 1, 2017, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (TBA) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TBA) – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
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Betting on the Carolina Panthers (TBA)
This just isn’t the season for dabbing for the Panthers, whose disappointing campaign got even gloomier after a 33-16 loss to Atlanta on Saturday. The loss has officially eliminated Cam Newton and company from playoff contention, but of course, they wouldn’t want to close out the season next week with a loss to the Bucs.
The Panthers have been successful of late when they’re in Tampa, where they’ve been undefeated in their last three visits, even covering the spreads in all of those games.
For Carolina to extend those streaks next Sunday, the Panthers would need to do a better job defensively, especially against the run, considering that Tampa Bay racked up 113 rushing yards back in Week 5, when Carolina lost 17-14 to the Bucs at home. Against, Atlanta last Saturday, the Panthers let the Falcons record 152 yards on the ground.
Cam Newton also has to come up with a cleaner performance. Newton was definitely not in top form on Saturday, completing just 18 of 43 passes for 198 passing yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Newton wasn’t around in the previous encounter with Tampa Bay due to concussion and with him under center in the season finale, expect Carolina’s offense to be more dynamic.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TBA)
The Bucs no longer control their own fate in their quest to get into the playoffs. After losing to New Orleans on Saturday, 31-24, Tampa Bay will hope for other teams to help them clinch a berth in the postseason. In any case, the Bucs are motivated to get a season sweep of Carolina.
The Bucs, who are 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three home games, succumbed to the Saints’ high-octane offense, as they got outgained by New Orleans, 417-349. Doug Martin’s surprise absence (healthy scratch) weighed the Bucs’ attack down with the team coming up with only 89 rushing yards. There’s no word yet whether Martin will be back on the field next Sunday, but Jacquizz Rodgers appears to be an able replacement. Rodgers rushed for 101 yards, albeit on 30 carries, in the last meeting with Carolina.
Moreover, Winston is staring at Carolina’s pass defense that is currently ranked the worst against the pass in the league. Carolina is allowing 273.5 passing yards per game.
The Panthers will be bracing for the ever-dangerous Mike Evans and rapidly rising downfield threat Cameron Brate. Evans had 97 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches against the Saints. Brate, meanwhile, has 218 receiving yards and three touchdowns in his last four games.
Writer’s Prediction
Tampa Bay wins, 28-25.
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