Everything you need to know as the Carolina Panthers go in search of another shock victory in their NFC South title decider at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Destiny awaits the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 when they travel to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Victory against the 2020 Super Bowl winners puts Steve Wilks‘ squad in the NFC South lead, which is all the motivation needed during the biggest game for the franchise since 2017.
Wilks deserves endless praise for turning this struggling organization around. Momentum is building across the Panthers and if the interim head coach pulls off another major upset this weekend, it could cement his chances of winning the job long-term.
The Buccaneers know beating Carolina on home soil would give them another divisional title. Tom Brady will also be looking for revenge after being held to just three points during the corresponding fixture earlier this season.
This is a time for heroes. Meaningful football at such a late stage has been non-existent for the Panthers in recent years, but they must perform up to the level anticipated with increased hope among the fanbase.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers injury report
The Panthers will be without star cornerback Jaycee Horn through a broken wrist that required surgery this week. Three other players were listed as questionable, which include productive edge presence Marquis Haynes Sr.
Here is Carolina’s full injury report for Week 17:
- Jaycee Horn (CB) – Out (wrist)
- Marquis Haynes Sr. (DE) – Questionable (ankle)
- Tommy Tremble (TE) – Questionable (hip)
- Cade Mays (OL) – Questionable (knee)
Here is Tampa Bay’s full injury report for Week 17:
- Carlton Davis (CB) – Doubtful (shoulder)
- Jamel Dean (CB) – Questionable (toe)
- Mike Edwards (S) – Questionable (hamstring)
- Julio Jones (WR) – Questionable (knee)
- Carl Nassib (DE/OLB) – Doubtful (pectoral)
- Donovan Smith (OT) – Questionable (foot)
- Vita Vea (DT) – Questionable (calf)
- Antonie Winfield Jr. (S) – Questionable (ankle)
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers odds
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Panthers are 3.5-point underdogs at the Buccaneers in Week 17 after opening at +5.5 following their impressive triumph over the Detroit Lions.
- Carolina +3.5: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Tampa Bay -3.5: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Anyone feeling bold can get Carolina on the money line at +168 (bet $100 to win $168), with the Buccaneers tipped to clinch the NFC South after a turbulent campaign at -200 (bet $200 to win $100). FanDuel Sportsbook has set the over/under at 40.5 points, which is available at -110 in both directions (bet $110 to win $100).
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers best bets
This is a playoff-type atmosphere and a divisional clash to boot. Therefore, it’s extremely unpredictable and especially when one considers how inconsistent these two teams have been throughout the campaign.
If the Panthers can establish the run early and control the clock, they have a chance. But the last thing they’ll want is for Brady to generate an early advantage that’s likely to force them away from their game plan.
Carolina hammered Tampa Bay in Week 7, so the legendary signal-caller will be out for redemption. However, Wilks’ men are full of confidence right now, so backing them to cover the 3.5-point spread seems feasible all things considered.
MORE: 3 best prop bets for the Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers in Week 17
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers’ weather for Week 17
Pleasant weather awaits the Panthers in Week 17. The weather in Tampa is expected to be cloudy with highs of 74 degrees Fahrenheit during the contest and winds expected to reach around five miles per hour.
The latest forecasts project humidity to be around 91 percent, which could be an issue when push comes to shove.
How to watch Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers in Week 17
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