Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers 1/7/24 – Week 18 marks a critical week in the regular NFL season as both Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers compete for supremacy against each other at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET – making this game one of the premier picks available for anyone seeking top NFL Week 18 picks. Both sides hope that Sunday’s matchup can end their seasons on an optimistic note.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers 1/7/24
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Bank of America Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers | -4.5 -110 | o37 -110 | -225 |  |
| Panthers | +4.5 -110 | u37 -110 | +195 | |
| ||||
For the division.#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/pGQqGCXS44
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 5, 2024
Baker Mayfield QB vs. Bryce Young QB
Baker Mayfield has put together a strong season in his first year with Tampa Bay after coming over from Cleveland. In 16 starts, Mayfield has completed 64.4% of his passes for 3,907 yards, which comes out to 244.2 yards per game. He’s thrown 28 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions and has a passer rating of 95.9. Mayfield has shown he can stretch the field with an average of 7.3 yards per attempt. He’s been sacked 37 times on the year but has the mobility to evade pressure. Mayfield engineered game-winning drives against the Rams and Cardinals, showing he can deliver in clutch situations. He should thrive against a Carolina defense that ranks 25th in points allowed.
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has endured expected growing pains in his first NFL season. In 15 games, he’s completed 59.7% of his passes while throwing for 2,783 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 picks. Young has struggled to push the ball downfield, averaging just 5.5 yards per attempt. He’s been under constant duress playing behind a porous offensive line that’s allowed 59 sacks. Young has flashed playmaking ability at times, but the talent around him has been extremely limited due to injuries. He ranks near the bottom of the NFL in most passing categories. Expect him to face even more pressure going against a fierce Tampa Bay pass rush led by veteran lineman William Gholston. Young must avoid costly turnovers for Carolina to have a chance
Buccaneers’ Offensive Analysis: Balancing Act
Tampa Bay’s offense is not all about Mayfield; their ground game led by Rachaad White has been reliable, amassing 915 yards and 6 touchdowns across 16 games. Mike Evans stands out with 1233 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns as an invaluable target for Mayfield.
Panthers’ Struggle for Offensive Rhythm
Carolina’s offense has not been impressive. Chuba Hubbard has produced 819 rushing yards and five touchdowns but lacks game-changing plays to propel his team forward. Adam Thielen has provided some welcome relief with 1002 receiving yards and four touchdowns; unfortunately, though, Carolina has struggled to convert those receiving yards into scores consistently.
NFL Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -225, Over/Under: 37.5
The Buccaneers are clear favorites with a -4.5 spread and a moneyline of -225, reflecting their superior record and performance. The over/under set at 37.5 points suggests a game with moderate scoring, considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive challenges.
Trends
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Tampa Bay are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games.
Tampa Bay are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Tampa Bay are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Carolina.
Buccaneers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against Carolina.
Tampa Bay are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on the road.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Carolina’s last 10 games.
Carolina are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina’s last 8 games against Tampa Bay.
Total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina’s last 7 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay.
Carolina are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Betting Picks
Analyzing the data and trends, the Buccaneers emerge as the stronger team. Their balanced offense and recent form make them a safe bet, particularly given their historical dominance over the Panthers. For bettors looking at top betting websites, Tampa Bay seems the more reliable choice.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, the Buccaneers’ ability to score combined with the Panthers’ defensive woes could push the total OVER. However, the Panthers’ offensive struggles might make the UNDER a tempting option as well.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Panthers 10
