Buccaneers at Panthers: Game preview, odds, prediction

By John Buhler | Oct 7, 2016

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) gets tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Keith Tandy (37) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in Week 5. Here is a game preview, the associated odds, and a final score.

The Carolina Panthers (1-3) will host their NFC South rival in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) on Monday Night Football in Week 5. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte will be at 8:30 PM ET on Monday, October 10th. ESPN will have the telecast.

This is a must-win for both teams. Falling to 1-4 on the year seriously jeopardizes either club’s chances to reach the 2016 NFC Playoffs. Both teams are two games back of the division leader Atlanta Falcons entering Week 5. While Tampa Bay beat Atlanta in Week 1, Carolina fell to the Falcons in Week 4.

According to OddsShark.com, the Panthers will be giving 6.5 points to the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. The associated moneylines are Carolina -303 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The over/under has not been set because Cam Newton is in concussion protocol.

Odds

Point Spread: Carolina -6.5

Moneylines: Carolina -303, Tampa Bay +248

Over/Under: ???

Since this is a divisional rivalry game, expect the game to be decided within one score. These teams have played similarly in the early part of this season. Their immensely talented starting quarterbacks have regressed in 2016. Neither team has any confidence running the football. The secondaries are atrocious.

Carolina should have the edge in it being a home game and in overall defensive prowess. Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston should give the Buccaneers an edge over injured Newton or presumed Panthers starter Derek Anderson.

This game will come down to who wants it more. Both teams are reeling, but the Panthers’ culture as an organization makes them the favorite to win on Monday night. Anderson is a capable backup.

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Tampa Bay having to game plan for either quarterback doesn’t help their Week 5 strategy. Take the Buccaneers to cover the spread, presumably the under. However, Carolina will win by a late fourth-quarter field goal at home to move to 2-3 on the year.

Pick: Panthers 20, Buccaneers 17

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