Panthers vs. Buccaneers: Preview, predictions and how to watch
The Carolina Panthers host Tampa Bay in their final home game of the regular season…
With only two games remaining on the schedule the Carolina Panthers can finish anywhere from the No. 2 overall seed in the NFC to not making the playoffs entirely. A close race both for the division and in the conference has developed, leaving a lot of uncertainty but one fact is clear.
Carolina can punch their ticket to the post season with a win.
While the seeding will remain up in the air for another week, the Panthers are guaranteed of a playoff berth with just one more win. Facing divisional rivals Tampa Bay and Atlanta in their last two games, neither will be easy but Carolina should be celebrating their fourth trip to the playoffs over the last five seasons on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers are injury plagued and crawling toward the offseason. However, coach Dirk Koetter has his group fighting continuously in search of a few wins to finish the year. Just last week they took Atlanta down to the wire, missing a game tying field goal as time expired. Their third straight loss of less than one score and sixth of the season.
2017 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (10-4) vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-10)
KICKOFF: 1:00pm ET
TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map
ONLINE: FuboTV 67+ live sports and entertainment channels with 7-day FREE trial!
ODDS: Carolina (-10.0), Over/Under (46.5) at Sports Book Review
LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WEATHER: 55 degrees, 67% humidity, 7mph N wind, 20% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 17-3, PANTHERS – October 29, 2017 (WEEK 8)
KEY MATCH-UP: Carolina Panthers vs. The Distractions
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Outside distractions occur on a regular basis but the Carolina Panthers locker room has been filled with them this season. From firing their general manager days before training camp, quarterback Cam Newton’s interactions with the media, trading a former first-round draft pick to now dealing with a franchise sale and investigation into owner Jerry Richardson.
Carolina has done a nice job of not letting any of these effect their play on the field but the latter may be bigger than each of the others – combined. As with any organization or company, an impending sale spreads rumors and uncertainty like wild fire. While Richardson has stated the team will not pursue a buyer until following the season, both individuals and groups are already lining up to place their bids.
All week the Panthers have fielded questions about their interactions with Richardson and thoughts on potential buyers or the possibility of a team move. Coach Ron Rivera was asked one football related question during his Monday media availability after a good win against Green Bay. It involved the block by linebacker Thomas Davis and his impending suspension.
Next: Panthers Playoff Picture - Week 16
It’s also Christmas Eve, which comes with its’ own distractions regarding potential travel, friends and family outside of football. If the Panthers can maintain their focus, they should be playoff bound following Sunday’s game but it may be closer than expected.
PREDICTION: CAROLINA PANTHERS- 24, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- 17