Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Preview, score prediction for Week 16

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers

How do you figure out the Carolina Panthers? From six wins in 2011 to a dozen victories a year later. There was a 7-8-1 record in 2013 and a second straight NFC South title, then a 15-1 finish and a trip to Super Bowl 50.

A year ago, Ron Rivera’s team was a disappointing 6-10 but now owns a 10-4 record this year. Just ponder those numbers as the club prepares to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the second time in 2017.

With playoff implications for Carolina in this matchup, how will things play out? Could the Bucs play spoiler to the Cardiac Cats?

Keys to Victory

Quarterback Cam Newton has played better football as of late. After throwing 10 TD passes and 11 interceptions in his first nine outings of the season, the seven-year pro has rebounded with 11 scores though the air while being picked off only once in the club’s last five contests.

This week, he takes on a Buccaneers’ defensive unit that has allowed the second-most total yards per game while being ranked last in the NFL against the pass. Coordinator Mike Smith has watched his unit surrender 36 offensive touchdowns in 14 contests. While there have been a very-respectable 24 takeaways, Tampa defenders have managed a disappointing 18 sacks.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Buccaneers (-10)

Moneyline: Buccaneers -135, Panthers +115

Over/Under: 46.5

Prediction

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and have dropped nine of their last 11 games following a 2-1 start. Their defense has been a major disappointment and it’s a big reason Dirk Koetter’s club is winless in four divisional outings this season.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Giants start baking

Off a short week, it figures to be another challenging outing for the Bucs, who will struggle the stop the Carolina Panthers’ offense regardless of the game plan.

Final Score: Carolina Panthers: 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 14