Carolina Panther (1-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 3, 2023 – NFL Week 13 will bring with it an epic matchup between Carolina Panthers (1-10) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7). Set for Raymond James Stadium this Sunday afternoon, top Americas sportsbook enthusiasts have taken note. As Carolina aims to salvage their season while Tampa Bay aims to use home field advantage to climb in this late afternoon encounter.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 3, 2023 Game Info
When: | Sunday, December 3, 4:05 PM ET |
Where: | Raymond James Stadium |
TV: | CBS |
Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Bryce Young QB vs. Baker Mayfield QB
Panthers QB Bryce Young has endured growing pains in his first NFL season. Through 9 starts, he has completed just 62.1% of his passes for 1683 yards with 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. While he has flashed playmaking ability at times, Young has struggled with reading complex defenses and making quick decisions in the pocket. He has taken 36 sacks and lost 280 yards in the process. Young possesses elite athleticism and arm talent but still has plenty of development ahead. Facing a fierce Bucs pass rush on Sunday, expect more rookie struggles for Young.
After an up and down last season, Baker Mayfield has found stability in Tampa Bay this year. Through 10 starts, Mayfield has completed 64.6% of his passes for 2389 yards with 15 touchdowns compared to just 6 interceptions. He has cut down on reckless throws and is taking much better care of the football. Mayfield has also built strong rapport with receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The results have been a 91.5 passer rating and 238.9 passing yards per game. The Panthers defense ranks 5th in opponent passer rating but has still allowed 22 passing scores this year. Backed by superior weapons, Mayfield is primed to keep rolling on Sunday. His consistency gives Tampa Bay a sizable advantage at the quarterback position.
Dynamic Panthers’ Ground and Air Attack
Chuba Hubbard has been an enduring force on Carolina’s running back corps. Over 10 games he amassed 408 yards with an average per attempt rate of 3.9 and scored four touchdowns on 408 attempts, proving his ability to break through defenses. Adam Thielen led Carolina’s receiving game with 76 receptions totalling 726 yards at 9.6 average per catch with four touchdown catches as his mainstay on offense.
Buccaneers’ Balanced Offensive Strategy
Tampa Bay’s offensive approach has been more balanced. Rachaad White, their lead running back, has amassed 459 yards over 141 attempts for them and Mike Evans is Mayfield’s go-to receiver; with 780 receiving yards across 48 catches averaging 16.3 yards per reception contributing immensely towards Tampa Bay’s offensive plays.
NFL Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -240, Over/Under: 39.5
The Buccaneers enter as the favorites with a -240 moneyline and a 6.5-point spread, suggesting confidence in their ability to control the game. The over/under at 39.5, given both teams’ recent performances, leans towards a lower-scoring affair.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
Carolina’s betting trends don’t favor them, with a 2-7 record against the spread (ATS) in their last 9 games. Their struggle is evident as they’ve also gone 1-10 straight up (SU) in their last 11 games. This trend, especially their 0-6 SU record on the road, indicates a challenging matchup ahead.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Conversely, Tampa Bay has been more promising with a 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. Despite a 1-6 SU in their last 7 games, their record of 5-1 SU when playing at home against Carolina suggests a potential upper hand in this matchup.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Picks
Considering the stats and trends, the Buccaneers appear to be the safer bet. Their stronger quarterback performance and balanced offensive strategy give them an edge. However, the Panthers, particularly through Thielen, could exploit any complacency in the Buccaneers’ defense.
In terms of football best picks tonight, while the Panthers might put up a fight, the Buccaneers’ home advantage and recent ATS trend make them the favorable pick. Prop bets could revolve around Mayfield’s passing yards or Evans’ receptions, given their consistent performances.