The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6, 2nd NFC South) will travel to Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Sunday to face off against their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers (3-8, 4th NFC South). Last week, Tampa Bay achieved a significant victory over the New York Giants, winning 30-7, thus breaking their four-game losing streak. Currently, they are only one game behind the division-leading Atlanta Falcons in a tightly contested NFC South. On the other hand, the Panthers fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 30-27, which ended their brief two-game winning streak. Carolina now sits at the bottom of the NFC South, trailing three games behind the top spot. Both teams are dealing with injuries that could affect their performance. Key players missing for the Buccaneers include wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Chase Edmonds, while wide receiver Mike Evans is listed as questionable. The Panthers also have several players on the injury report, including running back Miles Sanders and wide receiver Jalen Coker, along with four defensive starters.
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Tampa Bay’s Offense Shines Amid Defensive Woes
Tampa Bay has been performing well offensively, averaging 28.1 points and 369.6 total yards per game, ranking 4th and 7th in the NFL, respectively. The Buccaneers excel in their rushing game, averaging 128.2 yards per game, which ranks 10th in the league, and they are also strong in the passing game with 241.5 yards per game, placing 7th. However, their defense has struggled, allowing 24.8 points and 376.2 yards per game, placing them 24th and 29th in those categories. Specifically, they surrender an average of 120.7 yards rushing (16th) and 255.5 yards passing (29th) per game.
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Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been a standout player for Tampa Bay, throwing for 2,799 yards, with 24 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, achieving a completion rate of 71.4%. Running back Bucky Irving leads the team with 580 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Although Chris Godwin is currently on injured reserve, Cade Otton steps up as the second-leading receiver with 486 yards and four touchdowns. Linebacker David Lavonte leads the team in tackles with 77, while defensive tackle Vita Vea leads in sacks with 6.0. Cornerback Zyon McCollum has recorded two interceptions, leading the team in that category.
Carolina’s Offensive Struggles and Defensive Challenges
The Carolina Panthers have encountered significant difficulties on offense, averaging just 17.6 points and 285.5 total yards per game, ranking 29th and 31st in the league. The rushing game averages 107.7 yards (24th), while the passing game struggles with only 177.8 yards (31st) per game. Defensively, Carolina has faced even greater challenges, allowing an average of 30.9 points and 387.3 yards per game, placing them last in scoring defense and 30th in yardage defense. They are particularly weak against the run, conceding 160.5 yards per game (32nd), while allowing 226.7 yards passing (24th).
Quarterback Bryce Young has thrown for 1,083 yards this season, with five touchdowns and six interceptions, completing 60.1% of his passes. Chuba Hubbard leads Carolina’s rushing attack with 876 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Diontae Johnson is the top receiver with 357 yards and three touchdown receptions, closely followed by Xavier Legette, who has 340 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Safety Xavier Woods leads the Panthers in tackles with 77, while defensive ends A’Shawn Robinson and Charles Harris each have 3.0 sacks. Woods also leads the team in interceptions with two.
Key Betting Insights for Buccaneers vs. Panthers
