NFL Week 17 Predictions: Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Bucs 1/1/17

Panthers vs. Bucs Prediction

Will the Bucs wrap up their 2016 season with a win and a cover against their NFC South rivals the Panthers at 1:00PM ET?

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Bucs are 3.5-point home favorites versus the Panthers while the over/under currently sits at 45.5 points. While the point spread hasn't moved off that 3.5-point number, the total hit the board at 47.5 before dropping two full points to 45.5.

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CAROLINA KEY TRENDS: The Panthers are winless against the spread in their last five divisional games, which includes a loss last week to the Atlanta Falcons. They're also 2-8-1 against the spread in their last 11 road games, are 2-7-1 against the number in their last 10 conference games and have dropped five of seven at the betting window in their last seven games versus a team with a winning record.

TAMPA BAY KEY TRENDS: The Buccaneers are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games overall, are 4-1 against the number in their last five conference games, and are 5-0 ATS in their last five games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous contest. That said, they're just 1-5 against the spread in their last six games in January and are 21-44-1 ATS in their last 66 home games.

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OUR PREDICTION: The Panthers looked like a team that was checked out last week against the Falcons and now Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen are all questionable for today. Grab the Bucs at the current 3.5-point figure before the number potentially skyrockets as soon as Carolina announces that one or more of those key players are ruled out. While Tampa still has a slight chance to make the playoffs, Carolina has nothing to play for today. Jameis Winston and Co. should play hard.

 

NFL WEEK 17 PREDICTION: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS -3.5