The Carolina Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game between the NFC South foes on Sunday from Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers arrive having lost three of their last four games and know that if they want to win the division, winning this one is essential. For the Panthers, they’ve lost three in a row, and with the organization seemingly in disarray, some normalcy is all this group is looking for. The Buccaneers have won four straight overall in the series and anything less than five in a row will likely be a disappointment in this one.
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Tampa Bay needs to win
The Buccaneers have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the past few seasons and their ability to pick up wins, especially against lower competition, has been a critical part of their success. This season however, the struggles have caught up with this group and after losing to the Steelers last week, concerns are growing about what can be expected from this group. Tampa Bay is unlikely to hit the road for the second straight week and with their own off-court issues that they will have to deal with, things could be tougher than expected.
When it comes to injuries, offensive line concerns continue to be a priority, especially with Ryan Jensen (knee) ruled out for the season and a few others struggling with playing time decisions. secondary, a pair of cornerbacks is questionable, while Logan Ryan (foot) has already been ruled out at safety. While that doesn’t matter in this one, Tampa Bay knows its health needs to improve going forward.
Everything you need to know about #TBvsCAR 👇
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 20, 2022
Tampa Bay’s offense has struggled to get started this season and while they certainly have talent at their disposal, turning it into a winning mentality has been another story. Tom Brady and his deep receiving core continue to dominate, but the lack of a solid ground game continues to be a major concern. The Buccs rank 32nd in the league in rushing yards per game and even against a weak Carolina front, they might struggle to move the ball. Until they had more confidence in their ability to control the clock, the struggles could certainly continue.
Defensively, the Buccs should have no problem slowing down an injured Carolina team. They rank seventh in the league in total defense and against the pass while boasting the fifth-best defense in the league. While they may struggle to control the clock on the offensive end, they should have no trouble keeping Carolina’s offense off the field in this one. Devin White (48 tackles, 3 sacks) and Lavonte David (47 tackles, 1 sack) continue to bolster one of the best linebacking cores in the league, while while the pass rush may continue to be elite, the Panthers will have no chance of moving the ball.
Panthers caught in the turmoil
For the Panthers, the season has been turned upside down for a team that is just a few years away from being a contender. Not only have injuries derailed their plans in several positions, but the recent trade of their biggest star only adds more questions as to where to go next season. At 1-5, it looks like they’re destined for one of the league’s worst records, which might not be a bad thing considering how much talent they need to be added to the roster. With three straight losses and having failed to beat the Buccs in the past two seasons, a victory on Sunday would be a huge upset this season.
The Panthers have their own lengthy injury report and it starts with quarterback issues. Baker Mayfield (ankle) has been ruled out next month, while Sam Darnold (ankle) is out for at least this week, leaving PJ Walker (neck) as a starter, despite his own questionable status. With quite a few injuries on the defensive end as well, it looks like injuries could take their toll on both sides of the ball in this one.
For the Panthers, distributing Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers was about having options for the future. https://t.co/nT8ZIWLgLJ
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) October 21, 2022
On the offensive side, the Panthers have quite a few questions as to how they will be able to move the ball. Already last in the league in total yards per game, 29th in passing yards per game and 26th in rushing yards per game, this group is thin at quarterback and running back. Beyond that, taking out one of their main threats on the pitch only adds to the concerns for Sunday. The backfield appears to be led by Chubba Hubbard and Donta Foreman in this one, while all eyes will be on DJ Moore to show improvement at wide receiver.
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The number is important in this one for Tampa Bay, but given the myriad questions Carolina continues to try to find answers to, there’s no doubt the Buccaneers will easily pick up the win in this one. The Panthers will be without their most dynamic offensive threat and on their third quarterback, who is battling his own injuries. With Sunday fast approaching, there is simply too little time to make the necessary adjustments to feel confident moving the ball. For the Buccs, they continue to have one of the best defenses in the league and although they struggled to get the ball running, it’s a perfect game for them to change that tune. Also, according to covers.com, the Panthers are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games in October and 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games after a loss to the difference. When it comes to facing each other, Tampa Bay is also 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
Prediction: Buccs (-12.5)
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While Tampa Bay has generally been able to easily move the ball through the air, Sunday’s game gives them the perfect opportunity to restore their ground game. Given their desire to move the ball and drag the banks, this is bound to hurt their typical scoring output. For the Panthers, the barrage of injuries and changes has them looking for their own offensive answers, especially as they host one of the NFL’s best defenses in town. Also, according to covers.com, Tampa Bay under bets are 4-0 in their last four games against NFC opponents and 8-1 in their last nine games after a straight loss.
Prediction: Under 39.5
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