Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers January 7, 2024 – In an intriguing NFL Week 18 matchup, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, holding an even 8-8 record, head to Bank of America Stadium to take on the struggling Carolina Panthers, who are at a dismal 2-14. This game, though lacking in playoff implications, offers plenty for fans and bettors alike, especially those looking for free Super Bowl latest picks to gauge potential future performances.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers January 7, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Baker Mayfield QB vs. Bryce Young QB
Baker Mayfield was brought in this past offseason to stabilize the quarterback position and help lead a talented Buccaneers roster back to the playoffs. While the team has underachieved, Mayfield has posted respectable numbers. In 16 starts, he has completed 64.4% of his passes for 3,907 yards, good for 244.2 per game. Mayfield has tossed 28 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while taking 37 sacks. He has shown the ability to push the ball downfield, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt with a long completion of 75 yards. Mayfield’s passer rating sits at a decent 95.9. However, he has struggled with consistency and needs the Tampa Bay ground game to take some pressure off. This weekend, he faces a Panthers pass defense ranked 25th in yards allowed.
Bryce Young was handed the reins of the Panthers offense from the start of the year. It has proven to be a difficult situation behind a decimated offensive line and with few consistent weapons. In 15 starts, Young has completed just 59.7% of his throws for 2,783 yards, 185.5 per contest. He has been held to only 11 touchdown passes while tossing 10 picks, resulting in a poor 73.0 rating. Young has taken a pounding, getting sacked 59 times including 5 or more in 7 different games. He has flashes of playmaking talent but absolutely no time to show it.
Buccaneers Primed for Big Day
Even at 8-8, the Buccaneers boast impressive talent on offense. Mike Evans is still a receiving beast, posting his eighth-straight 1,000-yard season. Third-round rookie Rachaad White has emerged as the lead back with 915 yards. While unlikely to score much, the Bucs offense should move the ball freely against Carolina’s 30th ranked defense.
Panthers Lack Playmaking Ability
The Panthers hoped 2022 second-round pick Christian McCaffrey would lead the offense, but he was traded midseason. Chuba Hubbard has been uninspiring as his replacement, while rookie QB Bryce Young has struggled mightily behind a porous offensive line. Veteran wideout Adam Thielen leads the team with just four touchdowns. Expect the Panthers offense to stall repeatedly against Tampa Bay’s stout defense.
NFL Betting Odds: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -225, Over/Under: 37.5
The Buccaneers enter this game as the favorites, reflected in the moneyline of -225. The over/under set at 37.5 points suggests expectations of a relatively low-scoring game, considering both teams’ offensive and defensive dynamics.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
Tampa Bay are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 6 games.
Tampa Bay are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Bucs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against Carolina.
Tampa Bay are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against Carolina.
Tampa Bay are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on the road.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Carolina’s last 10 games.
Carolina are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina’s last 8 games against Tampa Bay.
Total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina’s last 7 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina’s last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay.
Carolina are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Betting Picks
Analyzing the trends and performances, the Buccaneers are the clear favorites. Their balanced offense and solid ATS record make them a strong pick against a struggling Panthers team. The low over/under also suggests that betting on the under might be wise, given Carolina’s offensive struggles and Tampa Bay’s ability to control the game tempo.
For those looking into prop bets or alternative betting options, online sportsbooks offer various choices. Betting on individual player performances, such as Mayfield’s passing yards or Evans’ receptions, could be profitable given their consistent output this season.
Receiving Yards Prop: Buccaneers 24, Panthers 10.
