Panthers vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Can Tampa Bay Bounce Back?

Buccaneers vs. Lions Buccaneers vs. Lions

The Carolina Panthers head to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers in an NFC South battle on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers are coming off of a big win that moved their record to 4-11 on the season. The Bucs are fighting for a playoff spot but suffered a tough loss last week that took them to 8-7 on the season. They are currently 8.5 point home favorites with this Panthers vs. Buccaneers matchup set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

Carolina Panthers (+8.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8.5) o/u 48

1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 29, 2024

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

TV: CBS

Public Betting: Public Bettors Leaning Bucs

As of this writing, our NFL Public Betting page shows that 52% of bets are on Tampa Bay. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have played some good football in the second half of the season, and last week eliminated the Arizona Cardinals from a spot in the playoffs with a 36-30 win in overtime. Bryce Young completed 17 of 26 pass attempts for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also ran for 68 yards and a touchdown. Chuba Hubbard led the ground game 25 carries for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns. However Hubbard has since been placed on IR to close out the season. Raheem Blackshear will take over as the lead back. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs had won 4 straight games before suffering a tough loss to the Cowboys last week 26-24. Baker Mayfield completed 31 of 43 pass attempts for 303 yards. He also had 2 touchdowns and an interception. Bucky Irving rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown. Rachaad White had 7 receptions for 50 yards but also lost a fumble in the closing minute to end the game. Mike Evans had 5 receptions for 69 yards. The defense did not force a turnover but only allowed 31 rush yards. 

Carolina is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games

The OVER is 5-0 in Carolina’s last 5 road games against Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games

The OVER is 3-1 in Tampa Bay’s last 4 games

Panthers vs. Buccaneers Prediction:

Take the Bucs to cover the 8.5 point spread on Sunday. The Buccaneers are in need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They suffered a tough 2 point loss last week but had won 4 straight before that and in dominating fashion as well. Chuba Hubbard is a big loss for this Panthers team. On top of that they don’t have Jonathon Brooks either. That really makes this Panthers team one dimensional. On the other side the Panthers defense is still the worst in the league allowing 29.9 ppg. Carolina is 2-4 ATS on the road this season. I think the Bucs put on a dominating performance Sunday to get back in the win column and keep their playoff chances alive.

Panthers vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Bucs -8.5