Buccaneers vs. Panthers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Clinch a Playoff Spot?
Can Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers clinch a playoff spot on Saturday? Jason Radowitz shares his Buccaneers vs. Panthers prediction and pick. Check it out.
Jason Radowitz - January 3, 2024, 9:37 AM EST
5 minBuccaneers vs. Panthers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Clinch a Playoff Spot?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the chance to clinch the NFC South last week in a game against the Saints.
Instead, the Buccaneers fell to the Saints, 23-13, despite an almost epic comeback.
However, the Buccaneers still have a chance to win the division. They've got two scenarios. The first is just by beating the two-win Carolina Panthers.
The other is if the Buccaneers lose, they can still make the playoffs if the Green Bay Packers lose to the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals defeat the Seattle Seahawks.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers won't want to rely on anyone else. They'll want to win this game and earn the No. 4 spot in the NFC playoffs.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers.
Buccaneers vs. Panthers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 7, 2024
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Buccaneers vs. Panthers Odds
- Spread: Buccaneers -5.5 (-110), Panthers +5.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 37.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Buccaneers (-250), Panthers (+205)
Buccaneers vs. Panthers Injury Report
Buccaneers
Questionable: Ko Kieft (Shoulder), LB Shaquil Barrett (Groin), CB Carlton Davis III (Concussion), WR Rakim Jarrett (Quad)
Panthers
Questionable: CB Troy Hill (Concussion), PK Eddy Pineiro (Hamstring), G Cade Mays (Finger), LB Marquis Haynes Sr. (Concussion)
Out: OLB Amare Barno (Knee), G Justin McCoy (Calf), WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (Ankle)
Buccaneers vs. Panthers Prediction
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't click last week against the Saints. New Orleans swarmed Baker Mayfield all game and put him in uncomfortable spots.
While the Panthers have a solid pass defense, don't expect the Panthers to be as strong on the line of scrimmage as the Saints.
The Panthers have still allowed 25.4 points per game. They've just also allowed about 176 yards in the air and 120.87 yards on the ground.
Tampa Bay would be wise to run the ball with Rachaad White more. However, the Buccaneers only earned 89.27 yards per game rushing per game.
Carolina struggles to tackle consistently, which is one of the reasons why the Panthers have struggled against the run.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay's defense has held opponents to 92.07 yards on the ground. And while opponents have added 264.13 yards in the air per game, don't expect the Buccaneers to allow Bryce Young to throw for a crazy amount of yards.
Young hasn't even cracked 3,000 yards despite playing in 15 games this season. He's also thrown just 11 touchdowns and has ten interceptions on the year.
Young has more games below 200 yards this season, with ten of 15 games with 194 yards or less in the air. Tampa Bay doesn't have the most effective secondary, but the pass rush can at least get to Young and force a mistake or two.
I like Tampa Bay to earn the win. But I also think it could be a close, low-scoring matchup. Therefore, I'll back the Under 37.5 in this (almost) must-win game for the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Pick
- Under 37.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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