The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit the road again in Week 13, this time to face a division rival in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 5-6 Buccaneers will take on the 3-8 Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium as the visitors seek a critical intra-division win in their quest for a fourth straight NFC South title. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
The analysts who see a close game unfolding in Charlotte cite the improved play of second-year quarterback Bryce Young in recent weeks. One also believes the Carolina offensive line will be able to keep Tampa Bay from getting pressure on Young. Another cited the familiarity of Panthers' Head Coach Dave Canales with Todd Bowles' defense and called the Bucs' pass defense "leaky." However, multiple experts like the Bucs' offensive potential with Mike Evans back in the mix and thinks the visitors will be able to take advantage of Carolina's 32nd-ranked run defense.
NFL.com's Dan Parr explained why he could see a close game but still comes down on Tampa Bay's side:
"Dave Canales' squad is certainly playing much better of late, winning back-to-back games before its bye week and then nearly pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the year, losing to the Chiefs on a last-second field goal. For the first time this season, Bryce Young has gone consecutive games without turning the ball over. A clean game can keep the Panthers competitive, but Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense are on a different level with Mike Evans back in the lineup."
The Buccaneers are 6.0-point favorites on the road. A majority of the experts think that line makes sense. Here's what some of them are saying:
NFL.com – Five experts side with the Buccaneers in this one
ESPN.com – It's a three-expert sweep for Tampa Bay
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco envisions that the Buccaneers will start "stacking victories"
USA Today – All four analysts pick the Bucs but all four also think it will be very close
Bleacher Report – Eight experts split their picks against the spread right down the middle
Pro Football Talk – Both Mike Florio and Chris Simms see the Bucs covering the spread
Sports Illustrated – None of the six MMQB staffers are worried about a Panthers upset
Sporting News – Tampa Bay gets the nod
