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Who will win this Panthers vs. Bucs prediction?
The Carolina Panthers are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday afternoon, with the Bucs in dire need of a victory to clinch another NFC South title. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers have displayed noticeable improvement this season, entering the game with a record of 4-11. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers hold an 8-7 record and aim to secure wins in their final games to fend off competition from the Atlanta Falcons. The kickoff is slated for 1:00 pm EST.
Read on for a detailed prediction of the Panthers/Bucs matchup.
Carolina Plays Spoiler Role
The Carolina Panthers head to Tampa looking to challenge the Buccaneers again after a close overtime loss earlier in the season, where they fell 26-24. They are coming off a thrilling 36-30 overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals, where running back Chubba Hubbard scored a decisive 21-yard touchdown. This win not only improved the Panthers’ record to 4-11 but also eliminated the Cardinals from playoff contention.
“Panthers football,” Canales stated confidently. “We emphasized finishing strong, doing the right things longer. Our defense made crucial stops in overtime, and the offense executed perfectly to finish the game.”
Against the Cardinals, the Panthers showcased their tenacity, proving they still have fight left in them. Hubbard rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, while quarterback Bryce Young completed 17 of 26 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Young also added a rushing touchdown with a 23-yard scramble. On defense, they effectively contained Kyler Murray, limiting the Cardinals to 176 passing yards. With two away games remaining, the Panthers are eager to continue their spoiler role against the Bucs.
Despite their struggles, Carolina remains competitive under Canales. They rank 26th in scoring offense, 11th in rushing, and 30th in passing. Their defense, however, has faced challenges, sitting last in scoring defense and against the run. The Panthers also struggle with penalties and turnover margins.
Key Injuries: LB DJ Wonnum, CB Jaycee Horn, DE A’Shawn Robinson, LB Josey Jewell, and TE Tommy Tremble are all listed as questionable.
Bucs Eyeing Another Division Title
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are familiar with the taste of victory in the NFC South Division, having claimed the title for the past three seasons. However, their quest for a fourth championship has become more difficult after a narrow 26-24 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys. This loss meant that this week’s game against the Panthers will not be a division clincher as previously hoped.
“We lost ground, and we need to move forward,” coach Todd Bowles reflected. “It’s time to learn from our mistakes and focus on ourselves.”
In the recent game against Dallas, quarterback Baker Mayfield nearly led the Bucs to a comeback victory, throwing for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, a fumble while escaping pressure and an interception hindered their efforts. The Buccaneers’ defense struggled, allowing 317 total yards, including 286 in the air, and failed to secure any sacks or turnovers.
For Tampa Bay to clinch the division title, they need to win their remaining games while hoping for a loss from the Atlanta Falcons, who have already swept the season series against them. Despite this setback, the Buccaneers have won four of their last five games, ranking fifth in scoring, third in rushing, and third in passing in the NFL. Defensively, they rank 22nd in scoring defense, indicating a need for improvement.
Key Injuries: S Christian Izien and S Jordan Whitehead are confirmed out. CB Jamel Dean, WR Sterling Shepard, and TE Cade Otton are all questionable.
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