Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 13 – The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set for an NFC South matchup in Week 13. Both teams have struggled this season, with the Panthers at 1-10 and the Buccaneers at 4-7. This game will likely have implications for draft positioning rather than playoff seeding. According to Canadian best sports betting sites, the odds favor the home team Buccaneers by 6.5 points, so there could be some value in taking the underdog Panthers against the spread.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Date & Time: Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4:05 PM ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium
TV: CBS
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Week 13 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Panthers | +200 | +6.5 (-119) | 39.5 over (-108) |
| Buccaneers | -240 | -6.5 (-103) | 39.5 under(-115) |
Carolina Panthers Analysis
The Panthers offense has struggled mightily this season. Quarterback Bryce Young has shown flashes in his rookie campaign but battled injuries and inconsistency. The running game has been led by Chuba Hubbard, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. Top receiver Adam Thielen is a solid weapon but lacks elite explosiveness at this stage of his career. The Panthers rank bottom-five in both scoring offense and total offense. They will need to find creative ways to manufacture points against a talented Bucs defense.
Defensively, the Panthers are decent against the run but have been gashed repeatedly through the air. The young secondary has athleticism but lacks discipline and gives up too many big plays downfield. The pass rush has also been underwhelming, tallying just 17 sacks on the year. For Carolina to have a chance, the defense must limit deep shots, force turnovers, and get after Tom Brady.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Analysis
Offensively, the Buccaneers have the pieces but have failed to maximize their potential. Tom Brady looks his age at times but remains capable of surgical precision given adequate protection. The run game has been mediocre behind Rachaad White. Mike Evans is still an elite receiver but has battled nagging injuries. Ultimately, turnovers and slow starts have plagued this unit. With Brady’s quick release, the Bucs should utilize a quicker passing game to find a rhythm early on.
Defensively, Tampa remains stout, led by stalwarts Lavonte David, Devin White, and Vita Vea. The secondary has talent but has given up its share of big plays. Overall, the Bucs rank 7th in scoring defense and 5th in takeaways. For Tampa to take control, they must shut down Carolina’s limited playmakers while generating pressure and turnovers. If the defense plays to its potential, it should feast on an overwhelmed Panthers attack.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Against the Spread
The Panthers have struggled to cover spreads, going just 2-7 ATS over their last nine contests. Carolina is also 1-5 ATS in its previous six meetings with Tampa. However, given Tampa’s offensive woes, the Panthers defensive strengths, and the large 6.5 point spread, Carolina has a chance to keep this game close. The Panthers run defense could force Brady into difficult down-and-distance scenarios. On offense, look for OC Ben McAdoo to dial up creative schemes to manufacture points and first downs.
The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS over their past five but have generally underwhelmed this season versus high expectations. Tampa has played down to inferior opponents repeatedly. However, given Brady’s track record and the defense’s dominance against poor offenses, the Bucs should be motivated to put together a complete performance at home. This could be an opportunity for White to finally break out running the ball against a Panthers defense focused on stopping Brady.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Panthers +200
Carolina likely loses straight up, but +200 odds are enticing given potential for a close game.
Spread: Panthers +6.5 (-119)
The Panthers have struggled, but +6.5 is attractive with Tampa’s offensive issues. Carolina can keep it close.
Total: 39.5 under (-115)
Both defenses are capable of strong performances, while both offenses have stalled repeatedly. This shapes up as a lower-scoring grind-it-out type affair.
Predicted Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20, Carolina Panthers 13
The Buccaneers are the safer pick to win at home, but the large point spread and Carolina’s scrappy defense offer good value in taking the points. Several NFL expert free picks also indicate betting Carolina with the points as the smart wager. Ultimately in this NFC South rivalry game, punters should expect a hard-fought contest that stays under the projected point total.
