Bold Predictions for Bucs at Panthers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Bank of America Stadium to battle against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and here’s what I think you should look for, including some shockers you could see.

Take the Under

Panthers are 6-7-point favorites since they’re undefeated at home, but with the exception of the Chicago Bears game, the Bucs have been in every contest. At the very least, the Bucs have been fun to watch, keeping games exciting and close despite all their miscues. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick provides a solid, balanced passing attack given his improved proficiency with the deep ball.

Players to Look Out for

This is another way of saying fantasy selections. When it comes to the Bucs, the only safe picks here are Fitzpatrick and top receiver Mike Evans. He’s certainly not guaranteed to hit 400 passing yards and 3 TDs again, right? But you can almost be assured he’ll hit 300 yards and 2 TDs. The Panthers are barely within the top half of the league as far as yards surrendered per game, and they’re just out of the top 10 for points surrendered. Their defense is worse at defending the pass than the run.

DeSean Jackson has been more of a sink than swim candidate for Jameis Winston, but with FitzMagic back in the fold, he’s worth a play as WR2 or flex. Same with tight end O.J. Howard, another Fitz favorite. Peyton Barber is still a risky play, but the Bucs will likely try to lean on him more as a change-up to try to surprise the Panthers’ defensive line. Barber won’t put out much more than pedestrian numbers against the Panthers’ 8th-ranked rush defense.

Over on the Panthers’ side, the obvious choices are QB Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey. Despite the Bucs’ 10th-ranked rush defense, they have been heavily decimated by passing, which is 31st in the league. McCaffrey has been a threat from the backfield from the ground and air with 723 all-purpose yards and 2 TD. While receiver Devin Funchess seems like a smart play, the Bucs’ secondary seems to randomly cough up a big game to a random receiver, so he’s more of a sink or swim candidate this week.

Expect Another Quick Start

While it’s not a bold prediction per se, I will say those who score first, early, and often will more likely win. If the Panthers get up by 10 early, they will likely win. If the Bucs get up by 14, the game will favor them. It depends on whether the Bucs’ defense can find some way to limit the damage from McCaffrey and if FitzMagic can hit a few deep balls for scores.

Final Prediction

While many are predicting a shootout, don’t be surprised if both teams score in the 20 range. I don’t see a rout coming, and the final score will be determined within a score. Final with upset will be Bucs 27-Panthers 24, handing the Panthers their first home loss and getting the Bucs back to .500.

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