Panthers vs. Bucs: Prediction and best bets for Week 10
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers vs. Bucs: Best bets
The loss of Christian McCaffrey has the Buccaneers as firm favorites for this one. The spread is anywhere from 5.5-6 points for the visitors to return to winning ways at the earliest possible opportunity at Bank of America Stadium, which might seem a little on the steep side when one considers just how many of the Carolina Panthers’ recent games have come down to the final drive.
One doesn’t have to look far to see just why the Bucs are fancied not only in this contest but to make their presence felt in the postseason. Their wide receiver trio of Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, and Chris Godwin could be the NFL’s best if all hit their stride at the same time and if the Panthers cannot get after Tom Brady, he’ll pick off their soft zone coverage with ease.
That’s not to say the Panthers cannot put up some points of their own. But the sort of start that played a leading role in their demise at Tampa Bay would have the same result this time around.
It will be tough for Carolina, but their ability to keep it close makes them a good shot to cover the +6 if you can get it.
As for the over-under of 50.5, given what is at stake for both teams, albeit for very different reasons, one would be more inclined to bet the under in a contest that might be won or lost in the trenches.