Carolina Panthers Week 13 analysis and final score prediction
Carolina Panthers Week 13 preview and prediction at Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Carolina Panthers remaining five games feature a heavy dose of divisional competition, beginning with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. These two teams squared off four weeks ago and since, Carolina has dropped three in a row following a decisive win over the Buccaneers when they visited Charlotte.
On the road Carolina has struggled considerably this season, winning just once and needing a franchise record comeback in order to defeat the Eagles. Despite their struggles, if the Panthers hope to maintain an opportunity at the wild card they must win in Tampa.
The Buccaneers have endured a roller coaster of performances from their quarterbacks and team overall. Suspended to begin the year, starter Jameis Winston has swapped places with Ryan Fitzpatrick for much of the season. Earning back his position, Winston led Tampa Bay to a convincing win over the San Francisco 49ers last week with 300-plus yards passing and two touchdowns.
2018 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-5) at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-7)
KICKOFF: Sunday, December 2 at 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
WEATHER: 84 degrees, 80% humidity, 9mph SSW wind, 20% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 42-28, PANTHERS – November 4, 2018 (WEEK 9)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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The injury status of cornerback Donte Jackson when reports begin to emerge this week will be key in determining which team holds an advantage in this game.
Last week, Jackson played one play before exiting and the Seahawks continually took advantage of a depleted secondary with multiple deep pass plays as quarterback Russell Wilson tallied his most passing yards for the entire year. Tampa Bay has the weapons at wide receiver and tight end to accomplish a similar feat, which is scary considering the Panthers desperately need a victory.
Turnovers have haunted the Buccaneers throughout the season and without Jackson, Carolina has just seven other interceptions. In the first meeting, two interceptions and a turnover on downs created 14 Panthers points and Jackson ended any hope of a comeback with an interception with nearly four minutes remaining.
Next. CAR at TB - Burning Questions. dark
For Carolina to win they need to again get up early by at least two scores. This not only takes away a bit of home field advantage by silencing the crowd but also allows the defense to relax and play with a bit more confidence. Turnovers will again play a factor but this team, despite their defensive deficiencies, is too talented to see their season essentially ended by Tampa Bay.
PREDICTION: Carolina Panthers – 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 24