Buccaneers vs Panthers Picks & Odds: Bucs Big Faves in Road Date with Carolina

The Carolina Panthers (1-5 SU, 1-5 ATS) will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak that has dumped them to the bottom of the NFL standings when they host the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3, 2-4) on Sunday afternoon in NFL Week 7 action.

The Panthers are coming off another listless performance in last weekend’s 24-10 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and have seen each of their three recent defeats come by double-digit margins. The Buccaneers have also struggled while losing three of four, capped by a narrow 20-18 defeat in Pittsburgh last weekend.

Bet On Bucs vs Panthers Here

Buccaneers vs Panthers Sportsbook Odds

Despite their recent struggles, the Buccaneers have made gains since Sportsbook as 9.5-point road favorites, climbing to 11-point chalk. The total has slipped to 40.5 since Sportsbook at 41. However, the OVER has garnered the support of 75 percent of sports bettors. The Bucs have dominated in head-to-head action, winning four straight and six of seven both straight up and against the spread.

Each of Tampa Bay’s past four victories over the Panthers have come by wide double-digit margins, with the Bucs outscoring the Panthers 78-29 in their past two trips to Carolina. With Tampa Bay regularly running up the score, the OVER enjoys a 4-1 run in the past five clashes between these teams. 

Get the best Buccaneers vs Panthers odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Buccaneers’ Offensive Woes Continue

The Buccaneers’ offensive troubles persisted in last weekend’s loss to the Steelers. The Tampa Bay attack stalled in each of its three drives into the Pittsburgh red zone and was forced to settle for field goals on each of those possessions. Even with the receiving corps steadily returning to health, this team once again struggled to find a spark against the Steelers’ 31st-ranked defense.  

Considering this team has now scored 20 or fewer points in four of its first six outings, and failed to cover in four straight outings, questions linger about their ability to cover as big chalk, even against the lowly Panthers. 

Slow starts have suddenly become commonplace, with the Buccaneers averaging just 2.5 points in first-quarter action this season while failing to produce a touchdown. Quarterback Tom Brady has emerged as a lightning rod for criticism during the Bucs’ swoon. The future Hall of Famer has connected for five scores in fourth-quarter action so far this season, but has found the end zone before halftime in just one of six games.

Panthers Offense in Free Fall

The Panthers briefly raised the hopes of their long-suffering fans by taking a 10-7 lead to the room at halftime in Los Angeles last weekend. However, the wheels would quickly come off after recess, as the Panthers offense generated just one first down and a mere 26 total yards on their first four possessions of the second half. 

They also squandered their only drive into the Rams red zone thanks to an interception thrown by Jacob Eason, who worked his way into the lineup thanks to a rash of injuries that have decimated the team’s passing corps. 

Already missing Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold due to injuries, Carolina was forced to turn to Eason and PJ Walker last weekend, with horrific results. Carolina generated just 203 total yards on the day and saw its only touchdown come from a pick-six. 

Overall, the defense has produced two of the three total touchdowns they have scored over the past three games. And with disgruntled receiver Robbie Anderson getting traded to Arizona this week, and newly hired head coach Steve Wilks refusing to confirm Mayfield as the starter upon his return from injury, it is tough to say who will generate offense for this team moving forward.

Buccaneers: Keys to Win

Injuries have stalled Brady’s bid to develop steady chemistry with his receiving corps, and he has also received spotty support from his offensive line. However, a return to health and fundamentals should provide this team with an opportunity to get back on track against the woeful Panthers.

Panthers: Keys to Win

With so many challenges to face on offense, the Panthers’ hopes lie with a stout defensive effort against a Bucs attack that has consistently fizzled through the first third of the season. In addition to generating three scores to date, the Carolina defense has also been steady against the pass, ranking ninth in pressure, and could benefit from another big day from defensive end Brian Burns, who has produced four of the team’s nine sacks.  

NFL Computer Pick: Panthers +11

Check out more of our signature NFL computer picks, plus our favorite sportsbooks that serve football customers. 

Join A Top-Tier NFL Betting Site Now