Buccaneers vs. Panthers Picks, Predictions & Player Props: Tampa Bay Fighting for Playoffs

• The Buccaneers are tied with the Falcons for first place in the NFC South

• The Panthers are coming off a win over the Cardinals 

• Baker Mayfield is fourth in passing yards with 3,920

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to respond following their Week 16 loss to the Cowboys. Dallas was fantastic on both sides of the ball, but the Buccaneers gave the game away. 

The loss puts the Buccaneers in a must-win situation. They no longer control their destiny in the NFC South and need the Falcons to lose to clinch a playoff berth. 

Atlanta faces Washington on Sunday Night Football, so the odds favor Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, their first step to the playoffs is beating an improving Panthers team on Sunday. 

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Buccaneers vs. Panthers Odds

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Buccaneers vs. Panthers My Pick

• My Pick: Buccaneers -8.5 (-115) at FanDuel Sportsbook

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggled against the Panthers a few weeks ago. They won thanks to a late fumble from Carolina but were on the verge of defeat in this contest.

Tampa Bay’s loss to the Cowboys could be the biggest motivation for them to win on Sunday. Baker Mayfield’s team can’t afford to lose again, and we expect them to play with this intensity. 

Carolina has looked much better lately, but they don’t have the same talent level as Tampa Bay. Look for the Buccaneers to play a complete game for the first time in a few weeks and beat Carolina by double digits.

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Buccaneers vs. Panthers Predictions 

This NFC South is coming down to the final weeks of the season. The Buccaneers are -135 to win the division, but they must win on Sunday and hope for a Falcons loss. 

Tampa Bay's problem in their last game against Carolina was that they didn’t play complementary football. The offense sometimes looked good but didn’t consistently throw the ball. 

Mayfield turned the ball over in critical situations, which led to Carolina scoring. Bryce Young was practical and took quick throws. 

We expect Young to continue making quick passes, which will benefit Tampa Bay if they can tackle. This was a significant issue for them against the Cowboys and must be fixed if they hope to make the playoffs. 

Tampa Bay's key is to stop the run. Chubba Hubbard has rushed for 1,195 yards this season and ten touchdowns. 

Carolina uses the run to set up play-action passes, but if the Buccaneers eliminate this aspect of their offense, the Panthers won’t succeed. 

We still don’t trust Young in passing situations and anticipate too many third and long situations for Carolina to win on the road.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Best Player Props

Baker Mayfield Over 253.5 Passing Yards (-114) at FanDuel

Mayfield had a lousy game and missed some time against the Panthers in the first meeting. He was 21 of 33 for 235 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. 

The two interceptions took production away from the quarterback, and he missed the mark by 18 yards. He will likely surpass 253.5 passing yards on Sunday, as he has been better at protecting the football lately.

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Bucky Irving Over 15.5 Receiving Yards (-114) at FanDuel

Bucky Irving has been fantastic running the football. He quickly established himself in the Offensive Rookie of the Year market. 

Irving is a dangerous back because he can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. Irving has carried the ball 168 times for 920 yards and seven touchdowns. 

He also has 41 catches for 320 yards. His total is 15.5 yards, and he averages 7.8 yards per reception. He caught three passes for 33 yards against Carolina in the last game.

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Mike Evans Over 80.5 Receiving Yards (-114) at FanDuel

Mike Evans is on the verge of a 1,000-yard season, but he needs two massive games. His receiving line reflects this fact at 80.5 yards, and we’re taking the over without thinking twice. 

Evans had 118 yards on eight catches with a touchdown in his last game against the Panthers. We expect an encore in Week 17.

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Buccaneers vs. Panthers How to Watch

• When: Saturday, December 29, 2024

• Where: Raymond James Stadium 

• Where to Watch: CBS

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Best Promos and Sportsbooks

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Buccaneers vs. Panthers Injuries

Buccaneers Injuries

• Buccaneers S Jordan Whitehead - IR 

• Buccaneers S Christian Izien - Questionable 

• Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. - Questionable 

• Buccaneers OT Tristian Wirfs - Questionable 

• Buccaneers DE William Gholston - DE

Panthers Injuries

• Panthers CB Chau Smith-Wade - Questionable

• Panthers OT Taylor Morton - Questionable

• Panthers CB Jaycee Horn - Questionable