The Carolina Panthers just want to close out their schedule with a win before entering the offseason. But that’s going to be easier said than done against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will look to score one more victory before preparing for the playoffs. Check out our preview below of this contest between the Panthers and Buccaneers in Week 18.
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Betting Preview for the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Regular Season Week 18 Game on January 9, 2022
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
When: Sunday, January 9, 2022, 4:25 PM ET
Line: Carolina Panthers (+8) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8) – view all 2022 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Carolina Panthers (+8)
Regular Season Record: 5-11
The Panthers got smashed anew in Week 17, as they got flattened by the New Orleans Saints in an 18-10 road loss. Carolina has not won a game since Week 10’s shocking 34-10 road victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, the Panthers have lost six games in a row, a stretch that includes their 32-6 home loss to the Buccaneers in Week 16. Sam Darnold is expected to start the regular-season finale for the Panthers after an up-and-down performance against the Saints in which he finished with 132 passing yards with zero touchdowns and an interception on 17/26 completions. He started hot in that game, making all of his first nine passes but had two turnovers by the end of the contest. On the season, Carolina is averaging just 17.9 points and 297.8 total yards per outing.
The Panthers are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 road games versus a team with a winning record at home.
Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8)
Regular Season Record: 12-4
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers avoided an embarrassment in Week 17, as they scored a 28-24 road win against the New York Jets. The Bucs’ offense will go forward without wide receiver Antonio Brown following his controversial antics in the Jets game, but Brady will still be left with dangerous weapons downfield. Tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Mike Evans form a lethal duo in the Bucs’ passing attack that is no. 1 in the NFL with 306.6 passing yards per game. Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn abused Carolina’s defense in the first meeting with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on only seven carries. Plus, the Buccaneers can rely on their defense against the Panthers. When they defeated the Panthers a few weeks ago, the Bucs recorded seven sacks in total. Tampa Bay also held the Panthers to only 273 total yards and 0-3 in the red zone.
The Buccaneers are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
Writer’s Prediction
The Buccaneers win, 27-17.
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