Bucs vs. Panthers Prediction
Can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprise the masses and start the season 2-0? To do so, they’ll have to beat their NFC South Division rivals, the Carolina Panthers.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have made the Panthers 3.5-point home favorites over the Bucs in Week 2. The over/under for this game has been set at 39 points.
The Bucs Win If:
They win the turnover battle. The Bucs forced three turnovers last week and while they gave up two themselves, they still managed to beat the Browns, 17-14. Tampa didn’t have a great day on either side of the ball, but all three of those turnovers came at pivotal times in the game and they wound up winning. Josh Freeman also turned in a good showing despite playing with a thumb injury and rookie Mike Williams caught his first touchdown pass of his career. But back to turnovers: Carolina turned the ball over five times last week in a loss to the Giants. If the Bucs can force even two turnovers this week and limit their own mistakes, then they probably win outright.
The Panthers Win If:
Matt Moore does a better job protecting the football. Moore was an utter disaster last week, throwing three interceptions on just 14-of-33 passing for 182 yards and one touchdown. He finished the game with a 32.6 QB Rating and a bad headache due to a concussion, although he’s expected to suit up this weekend. Thanks for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers’ running game is outstanding. If they don’t have to rely on Moore to make plays, then they’ll have a better shot of winning. But if the Bucs take away the run game and force Moore to be efficient, then Carolina could be in trouble.
Prediction:
This is a three-point game either way, which is why I like the Bucs getting 3.5. Tampa played decent last week and their young defense has a couple of playmakers that could give the Panthers trouble. Defensively, Carolina is awfully young and inexperienced and are really hurting without linebacker Thomas Davis (out of the season) in the lineup. The Bucs don’t have many offensive weapons, but they have enough to stay in what should be a tight game throughout.
2010 NFL Week 2 Free Pick: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS +3.5
BONUS PICK: UNDER 39