The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finish up their season series with the division rival Carolina Panthers in Week 17, hoping to complete the sweep after winning in overtime in Charlotte in Week 13. The Buccaneers almost surely need to win the game in order to keep their goal of a fourth straight NFC South title in play. The Bucs and Panthers will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 29 at Raymond James Stadium. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
Many analysts are impressed by the recent play of second-year quarterback Bryce Young and how the Panthers' offense seems to be figuring things out under Head Coach Dave Canales. At least one, however, wonders how the young passer will fare against a Todd Bowles defense that is never shy about bringing the blitz. Another expert noted that Carolina's "revamped" pass rush has been much more productive in recent weeks. As notable as the Panthers' offensive improvement has been, Brooke Cersosimo of NFL.com notes that the Buccaneers' offense has been even better, writing:
"[C]an that rising unit replicate last week's performance and keep pace with a Baker Mayfield-led offense averaging nearly 10 points more per game? It'll be tough to do on the road, and it doesn't help that Carolina's defense ranks last in points allowed per game (29.9), rush yards allowed per game (175.2) and yards allowed per carry (5.1). I expect Todd Bowles' group to be on a mission after last week's crushing loss to Dallas, which knocked the Bucs out of the division lead. Tampa has little room for error in the playoff race now."
The Buccaneers are eight-point underdogs at home but know from recent experience that they will have to play their best game to prevail over a still-fighting Carolina squad. That said, a majority of the experts think the Bucs will do what they need to do to keep their playoff hopes alive. Here's what some of them are saying:
NFL.com – The Bucs are the pick for all five experts
ESPN.com – ESPN assembles a whopping 11 analysts to make picks, and only one dissents with Carolina
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco thinks Baker Mayfield comes up big in a Bucs win
USA Today – Jarrett Bell and five cohorts all agree on the Bucs getting the much-needed victory
Bleacher Report – Picking against the spread, six of eight analysts expect Carolina to cover
Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio and Chris Simms agree on Tampa Bay
Sports Illustrated – Two of six on the MMQB prediction crew side with the visiting Panthers
Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer among four to go with the Buccaneers in mostly high-scoring predictions
