NFL Week 16 Odds: Buccaneers vs Panthers Betting Prediction

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to get back on track. In NFL Week 15, Tampa lost a tough game to the rival New Orleans Saints. The Carolina Panthers are reeling. So there’s a good chance Tampa wins the game, but will Tom Brady and his teammates cover a massive spread? Keep reading for NFL odds, analysis, and a free pick for Tampa Bay at Carolina.

NFL Betting Preview for Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers Game Odds & Info | NFL Week 16 Betting

When: Sunday, Dec. 26 at 1:00 pm ET
Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
TV / Streaming: FOX / Fox Sports
ATS Odds: Tampa Bay -10
Moneyline Odds: Tampa Bay -460 / Carolina +355
Over/Under Odds: 43

Why bet on Tampa Bay versus Carolina?

The Buccaneers’ offense can’t be stopped. Tampa averages over 402 yards per game, ranking first in the NFL. Even though the Saints stopped the Bucs from scoring a single point, New Orleans’ defense is playing much better than Carolina’s. Expect Brady and the offense to have big time success against a Panthers’ defense that’s tired and wants the season to end.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Averages

Total Yards: 402.4

Passing Yards: 304.9

Rushing Yards: 97.6

Points Scored: 29.3

Turnovers: 18

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Averages

Total Yards: 333.6

Passing Yards: 244.6

Rushing Yards: 89.0

Points Scored: 21.9

Takeaways: 25

Why bet on Carolina versus Tampa Bay?

Coach Matt Ruhle said both Cam Newton and Sam Darnold will play in this game, which implies Ruhle has a strategy to keep the Buccaneers’ defense on their toes. Playing Newton and Darnold doesn’t mean the Panthers will win this game. But Carolina backers have 10 points to work with. Also, Tampa doesn’t often play as well on the road as they do at home.

Carolina Panthers Offensive Averages

Total Yards: 308.1

Passing Yards: 195.4

Rushing Yards: 112.6

Points Scored: 19.4

Turnovers: 24

Carolina Panthers Defensive Averages

Total Yards: 294.4

Passing Yards: 178.8

Rushing Yards: 115.6

Points Scored: 22.4

Takeaways: 16

Buccaneers vs Panthers Relevant Trends

Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 on the road
Under is 5-0 in the Buccaneers’ last 5 versus a team with a losing record
Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Carolina
Carolina is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games
Over is 5-0 in the Panthers’ last 5 games

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers Final Betting Prediction

If we just look at the records of both teams, it’s obvious Tampa is the much better squad. But the Buccaneers don’t enter this game playing their best football.

Tampa Bay had no answer for the Saints’ defense in Week 15. Brady should bounce back with a good game, but he may have to improvise because his top target, Chris Godwin, is on injured reserve.

Not only that, but starting running back Leonard Fournette is out until the playoffs, which means Ronald Jones Jr. and LeVeon Bell, whom the Bucs signed earlier in the week, will carry the pigskin.

Carolina’s defense is decent. It fell apart versus the Bills, but that was in a road game versus a desperate team that had to win. The Panthers should have more success containing Brady than it did containing Josh Allen.

The Panthers winning this game is a longshot. But Carolina should keep it closer than the spread. Panthers ATS is the play.

NFL Week 16 Pick: Carolina Panthers

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