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In a pivotal NFC South showdown on Sunday in Week 17, the Carolina Panthers (6-9) will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) at Raymond James Stadium. The Carolina Panthers dominated the red-hot lions 37-23 last week, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers barely skated past the Arizona Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. This game will be huge in determining the winner of the NFC South, with the Bucs leading the Panthers, Saints, and Falcons by one game. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming match so you can bet on the NFL Lines.

NFL Week 17 Betting Lines and Preview for Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay

Carolina Panthers Betting Preview: Panthers Look for Season Sweep of Bucs

Last time the Panthers faced the Buccaneers, Carolina walked away with a 21-3 upset victory. Once again, the Panthers have some momentum as they dominated one of the NFC’s hottest teams, taking down the Lions in remarkable fashion.

After winning two of their last three contests, the Panthers have seen this offense so much better with Sam Darnold under center. Darnold is 3-1 as the starter this year, and Carolina got a huge game from D’Onta Foreman and Chubba Hubbard, who accounted for 290 of their team’s 320 running yards in their win over Detroit. Tampa Bay, struggled to contain the two running backs in the Panthers’ 21-3 victory over the Buccaneers at home in Week 7 and may have trouble with them again.

Carolina is confident in its ability to dominate the Buccaneers defensively in light of its victory against Tom Brady and company in their previous encounter. The Buccaneers only made 2/12 third down attempts in that game and have struggled to put points on the board this year. Carolina’s defense has struggled against the run, but they are still holding opponents to 22.5 points per game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Preview: Buccaneers Need a Win to stay atop NFC South Standings

Can Tom Brady and the Bucs overcome their struggles and stay atop the NFC South Standings? The Buccaneers have struggled to not only win games, but cover the spread this season. Tampa Bay hasn’t covered the spread in their last five games and they 1-8-1 ATS in their last ten games.

In Week 16, Tampa Bay defeated the Arizona Cardinals on the road, winning crucially 19-16 in overtime. Tom Brady’s performance was far from efficient, tossing two interceptions as his age seems to be catching up with him. To make matters worse, the Bucs barely scooted past an Arizona Cardinals team that holds just four wins and was on their third-string QB.

The bottom line is the Buccaneers are nowhere near super bowl contenders. The offense is managing only 17.7 points per game, while holding opponents to 20.3 points. While Tampa Bay has excelled against the pass this season, the rushing defense will need work. They will surely be tested against a strong Panthers rushing attack.

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Odds and Lines

According to MyBookie, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter this matchup as -3 point favorites (-110) in their matchup against the Carolina Panthers. In terms of the moneyline, the Buccaneers are -175 favorites to win at home, while the Panthers have NFL odds of +140 as road underdogs. When it comes to the total, the Over/Under is listed at 39 points (-110) on MyBookie.

Free Betting Pick

The Panthers have won three of their past four games, so momentum appears to be on their favor. They thoroughly gashed the Lions on the ground last Saturday and ought to provide some issues for the Bucs’ front seven. Tampa Bay is a league-worst 3-11-1 ATS and 0-6-1 ATS at home. Back Carolina in this one and expect them to cover and even win this one outright.

NFL Betting Pick: Carolina Panthers +3 (-110)