Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers December 1st 2024

The Panthers are +211 on the money line as they host the Buccaneers at 4:05 ET on Sunday, December 1st at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Buccaneers are favored by -6 on the road in this NFC South matchup. The over/under line is at 46.5 points, and this game is being televised on FOX.

Tampa Bay vs. Carolina Key Information

• Teams: Buccaneers at Panthers
• Where: Bank of America Stadium Charlotte
• Date: Sunday, December 1st
• Betting Odds TB -259 | CAR +211 O/U 46.5

The Buccaneers Can Win If…

After four straight losses, the Buccaneers got back on track in week 12 with a 30-7 win over the Giants, improving their record to 5-6. Tampa Bay entered the game as 6-point favorites and covered the spread, bringing their ATS record to 7-4. They currently have a +3.3 scoring margin and rank 9th in our NFL power rankings. The Bucs have a 44.6% chance of making the playoffs and a 31.7% chance of winning the NFC South.

Heading into week 13, Tampa Bay has an O/U record of 7-4, with the under hitting in their last two games. Their contests have averaged 52.9 points, compared to an average line of 45.2. Against the 49ers in week 10, the teams combined for 43 points, falling short of the 50-point line. In week 12, the Bucs and Giants totaled 37 points, with the line set at 40.

Heading into week 13, the Buccaneers are 4th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 28.1. They are 7th in passing yards per game (241.5), with Baker Mayfield coming off a 294-yard performance in week 12, where he completed 24 of 30 passes. Tampa Bay ranks 2nd in the league in 3rd-down conversion percentage, but they have struggled in the red zone, ranking 27th in conversion percentage.

In the run game, the Bucs are 23rd in rushing attempts per game but 10th in rushing yards, averaging 128.1 per game. Bucky Irving led the team with 87 yards on 12 carries in week 12. Tampa Bay is currently 7th in our offensive power rankings.

In their most recent game, the Buccaneers’ defense allowed just 169 passing yards in a 30-7 win over the Giants. They held New York to 76 yards rushing on 20 attempts and limited them to just 7 points. Tampa Bay’s defense also recorded four sacks and hit the quarterback seven more times than the Giants.

Despite allowing the Giants to convert on 45.5% of their third down attempts, the Buccaneers’ secondary played well, limiting big plays and not allowing any touchdowns. The Giants completed 68.8% of their passes.

• Over their last three regular season games, the Buccaneers have gone 1-2 straight up. Against the spread, they have a strong mark of 3-0 along with an over-under record of 1-2.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Buccaneers have gone 4-6 straight up. Their record vs the spread sits at 6-4 in these matchups, while posting a 6-4 over-under mark.

The Panthers Can Win If…

After back-to-back wins in weeks 9 and 10, the Panthers couldn’t make it three in a row, falling 30-27 to the Chiefs in week 12. Carolina was a +11 underdog at home, but they kept it close, bringing their ATS record to 4-7. They’ve now covered in three straight games, including two outright wins over the Giants and Saints.

With a 3-8 record, the Panthers rank 29th in our power rankings and have just a 0.2% chance of making the playoffs. Their O/U record is 8-3, with their games averaging 48.5 points per game, compared to an average line of 42.8.

Heading into week 13, the Panthers rank 26th in our offensive power rankings. They are 27th in the NFL in points per game, averaging 17.6, and 31st in passing yards with 177.8 per game. Carolina ranks 31st in the league in total yards, with 285.5 per game, and 27th in 3rd-down conversions, converting 33.8% of the time. However, they are 10th in red zone conversion percentage, despite ranking 14th in red zone attempts.

In their week 12 loss to the Chiefs, the Panthers scored 11 points in the 4th quarter. Bryce Young threw for 263 yards and a touchdown, completing 21 of 35 passes. Chuba Hubbard had 58 rushing yards on 16 carries, while David Moore led the team in receiving with 6 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

In their 30-27 loss to the Chiefs, the Panthers’ defense allowed Kansas City to convert on 61.5% of their third down attempts. Despite sacking Patrick Mahomes five times, Carolina gave up 165 rushing yards on just 26 attempts, with the Chiefs finishing with 391 total yards. The Panthers also allowed three passing touchdowns and a 73% completion percentage to Mahomes.

Carolina’s defense did generate some pressure, winning the QB hit differential and recording five sacks. However, they struggled to contain the Chiefs’ running game and allowed big plays in the passing game, resulting in a tough day on the defensive end.

• Carolina has put together a record of 2-1 over their past three games. In terms of betting, the team went 3-0 ATS in these matchups. Their over/under record in these matchups is 2-1.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Carolina has a record of 3-7. Their record against the spread in this stretch is 5-5 to go along with an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Lean

Our projected final score for this week 13 matchup between the Panthers and Buccaneers is 26-19 in favor of the Panthers. With the point spread sitting at -6 in favor of the Panthers, we like them to not only win but also cover the spread.

As for an over/under pick, with the line at 46.5 points, we are leaning towards taking the under, with our projections pointing to a combined score of 45 points.

Weekly Football Picks from The Best NFL Expert Handicappers

No Secrets as Bucs Face Panthers in Pivotal NFC South Showdown

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, longtime rivals in the NFC South, are set to clash in Charlotte this Sunday. With both teams showing recent flashes of potential, the stakes are high in a matchup rich with connections and narratives.

Familiar Foes with Shared Histories

Sunday’s game is more than just a division battle—it’s a meeting of intertwined storylines. First-year Panthers head coach Dave Canales served as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator last season. Adding to the intrigue, Canales mentored Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield, who spent part of the 2022 season in Carolina.

“There’s some familiarity,” Canales acknowledged. “Knowing coach Bowles, he’s got a really sophisticated system… I know he’ll have some things up his sleeve.”

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is equally aware of the stakes: “It’s an NFC South battle. All of them are going to be hard… They’re playing very good football.”

Tampa Bay’s Offensive Revival

The Buccaneers (5-6) enter the matchup with momentum after dismantling the New York Giants 30-7. Their offense shined with four rushing touchdowns and a stellar performance from Baker Mayfield, who completed 24 of 30 passes for 294 yards.

“For me, the biggest thing was blocking and tackling,” Bowles said. “We cleaned up the fundamental and technique part of it.”

The return of star wideout Mike Evans was a welcome boost. Evans, back after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury, contributed five receptions for 68 yards. Facing a Carolina defense allowing a league-high 30.9 points per game, Evans could be poised for a breakout performance.

Carolina’s Resilience

Despite their struggles, the Panthers have shown grit, winning two consecutive games before pushing the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to the limit in a 30-27 loss last Sunday.

Quarterback Bryce Young delivered one of the most efficient performances of his career, completing 21 of 35 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

“It’s not all Bryce,” Canales noted. “It’s a collective effort, but he certainly needs to be the voice and driver of that.”

The Panthers’ recent improvements suggest they won’t be an easy target for Tampa Bay. However, they’ll need to tighten up defensively against a resurgent Buccaneers offense.

Injury Watch: Key Players to Monitor

Injuries could play a significant role in shaping Sunday’s outcome:

• Carolina Panthers: Wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps), tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck), and safety Lonnie Johnson (personal) missed Wednesday’s practice. Defensive end LaBryan Ray (hand) was limited.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) sat out Wednesday, while Mike Evans practiced fully, signaling he’ll be ready to play.

Depth concerns for both teams highlight the importance of execution and adaptability in this high-stakes game.

Divisional Implications

This matchup holds significant implications for the NFC South race. The Buccaneers aim for their first back-to-back wins since Weeks 1 and 2, seeking to build consistency after a rocky midseason stretch. Meanwhile, the Panthers hope to sustain their recent progress and continue clawing their way back into contention.

Adding to the drama, these two teams will meet again in Week 17, potentially with playoff hopes on the line.

What to Watch For

1. Mike Evans’ Impact: Evans’ return adds a dynamic weapon to Tampa Bay’s arsenal. His ability to exploit Carolina’s porous defense could be a game-changer.
2. Bryce Young’s Growth: The young quarterback has shown promise in recent weeks, but maintaining efficiency against a Bowles-led defense will test his mettle.
3. Defensive Adjustments: Both teams must overcome injuries and defensive lapses to keep the game within reach.

This NFC South showdown promises high stakes, familiar faces, and a battle of wits between Canales and Bowles. With momentum and division standings on the line, fans can expect a hard-fought contest that could set the tone for the rest of the season.