Buccaneers vs. Panthers, Week 2: Preview, odds, prediction, TV channel, live stream
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers both took losses in Week 1 and now meet on a short week for Thursday Night Football in Week 2.
Excitement was high entering the season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New head coach Bruce Arians was supposed to revitalized Jameis Winston and get this team to take off. Instead, they did the opposite in Week 1. Coming off the loss and into Week 2, they now have a short week for a trip to play the rival Carolina Panthers, who also lost but looked miles better, on Thursday Night Football.
Winston had about as bad of a debut has anyone could’ve imagined. His decision-making was bad, he threw three interceptions (two pick-sixes) and generally looked like the same disappointing player he’s been. And that was a shame for the Buccaneers who, on the back of the defense and breakout game from Ronald Jones, played good enough to win against San Francisco.
The Panthers too played good enough to win in their season-opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, beating the defending NFC Champions is always a tall task but Christian McCaffrey looked ready to carry his team to doing just that. If not for some spotty play from Cam Newton and the defense, they may have been able to do just that.
Now as we enter Week 2, two highly variable quarterbacks face off, but it’s hard not to have a bit more faith in both Newton and Carolina’s defense than Winston and Tampa. Put simply, there’s just more effective work on the resume to work with.
How to watch and bet on Buccaneers vs. Panthers
Date: Thursday, Sept. 12
Start Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
TV Info: NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL.com, FuboTV
Point Spread: Panthers -7
Moneyline: Carolina -330, Tampa Bay +265
Over/Under: 51.5
(Odds per Bovada)
With how generous Winston and the Buccaneers offense looked to opposing defenses, it’s hard not to feel confident in Carolina playing at home, especially after a strong offensive showing for them. Give me the Panthers both against the spread and on the moneyline. Also, take the over if you must, though there’s little confidence in that pick.
Next. 20 Bold predictions for NFL Week 2. dark
Prediction: With McCaffrey’s ability to control the game and break off big plays, the Carolina offense should move the ball at will against Tampa. The big question is whether or not Winston and the Bucs can match that consistently. On a short week against a division rival, it’s just hard to see that fully happening.
Final Score: Buccaneers 20, Panthers 35