Panthers at Buccaneers: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By John Buhler
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon in Week 8. Here is a game preview, the betting odds and a score prediction.
It’s already Week 8 of the 2017 NFL season. One game going on between NFC South rivals this weekend will be between the Carolina Panthers (4-3) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4). Kickoff from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on Oct. 29. Chris Myers and Daryl Johnston will be in the booth to call the game for FOX.
Carolina enters play at 4-3 on the season. The Panthers look great some weeks and awful in others. Carolina is coming off an embarrassing three-point effort against the Chicago Bears last week. The Panthers are an ebb and flow, very emotional football team. A lot of that rides on star quarterback Cam Newton, but are we sure that’s still a good thing?
Tampa Bay enters play at 2-4 on the year. The Buccaneers find themselves in last place in the NFC South, struggling to win close games. Their running game is non-existent and the Mike Smith defense isn’t getting it done. Tampa Bay needs this win in the worst way to keep their season alive.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Tampa Bay -2
Moneylines: Tampa Bay -125, Carolina +105
Over/Under: 46
According to SportsBook Review, the Buccaneers will be laying two points at home to the visiting Panthers. The associated moneylines for this game will be Tampa Bay -125 and Carolina +105. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 46 points.
These two teams do not like each other, so have to expect a close game in this one. Tampa Bay doesn’t have much of a home-field advantage. Frankly, Carolina has been better away from Charlotte this season for whatever reason.
This game will hang in the balances due to the inconsistent play of both starting quarterbacks in Newton for Carolina and Jameis Winston for Tampa Bay. Once again, this game will come down to one thing: field goal kicking.
No, it will not be a pretty game in terms of special teams play. Both teams will miss chip shot field goals. The opportunities to win this tight ball game will be prevalent throughout the second half, but nobody will take advantage of it until late.
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Carolina will be able to get into field goal range for Graham Gano to make a 34-yard kick thanks to a controversial pass interference call on Vernon Hargreaves III. Tampa Bay will be furious, but the Panthers will win in an upset.
Prediction: Panthers 27, Buccaneers 24