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Buccaneers at Panthers: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

By John Buhler

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Carolina Panthers center Tyler Larsen (69) drops back to pass protect during the first half of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Carolina Panthers center Tyler Larsen (69) drops back to pass protect during the first half of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon in Week 16. Here is a game preview, betting odds and final score prediction.

Only two weeks left of the 2017 NFL regular season. This week falls on Christmas, so we’ve got a bunch of games going on Christmas Eve. One of those games will be between a pair of NFC South rivals in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) and the Carolina Panthers (10-4). Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 24. Kenny Albert and Buccaneers legend Ronde Barber will be in the booth to call the game for FOX.

This has not been Tampa Bay’s year, nor has it been for the last decade. At 4-10, Tampa Bay is almost certainly locked into picking in the top-10 yet again. After going 9-7 the year prior, many thought this would be the year that the Buccaneers would get back into the NFC playoffs. Instead, we’ve seen a regression out of quarterback Jameis Winston and a downtick in Mike Smith’s defense. This is why they Buccaneers are 4-10.

Carolina has bounced back after a lousy 2016 season. The Panthers have a legitimate shot at doubling their win total from a year ago. If Carolina wins out, they will achieve that at 12-4. The Panthers are one win away from clinching its fourth playoff berth in five years. It may have to be as a wild card team, as the division-leading New Orleans Saints own the head-to-head tiebreakers this season. Nobody wants to play Carolina going forward.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Carolina -10
Moneylines: Carolina -420, Tampa Bay +355
Over/Under: 46.5

According to OddsShark, the Panthers will be laying 10 points at home to the visiting Buccaneers. The associated moneylines for this game are Carolina -420 and Tampa Bay +355. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 46.5 points.

Tampa Bay considers Carolina to be its biggest rival in the division. So look for the Buccaneers to come out guns a-blazing in the first half. Tampa Bay will get to a 10-0 lead before people can get to their television screen fast enough. Could an upset be brewing in the Queen City?

Well, I’m afraid not. Carolina will play with poise and won’t panic after getting outscored in the first quarter at home. Cam Newton and company will gradually wear down the Buccaneers in the fourth quarter.

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A pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns by Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey will put the Buccaneers almost out of their misery. It should be enough for the Panthers to cover the lofty 10-point spread at home, get the point total over 46.5 points and clinch another playoff berth for Carolina. Charlotte will rejoice triumphantly.

Pick: Panthers 31, Buccaneers 20

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