Buccaneers vs Panthers Betting Odds - Carolina will run roughshod over Tampa again

Buccaneers vs Panthers odds were settled by seven points in Week 6, and the difference was the Carolina running game. Running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jon Stewart busted out for 262 yards and three scores, and it should be more of the same this time around. Sports betting fans certainly can't expert rookie Josh Freeman to turn things around for Tampa.

Buccaneers vs Panthers betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Bucs lost a heartbreaker to Atlanta last week, giving the Falcons seven cracks on the goal line thanks to penalties. Atlanta finally scored in the game's dying moments, going ahead 20-17 and pushing Tampa Bay to 1-10.

Carolina has dropped two in a row, including last week's 17-6 loss to the Jets. Jake Delhomme's awful season might mercifully be over; the struggling quarterback suffered a hand injury against New York. At 4-7, it's just as well for Carolina—time to start thinking about next year.

Buccaneers vs Panthers betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
Delhomme has a broken finger and should be replaced by Matt Moore this week. Carolina won't miss him much, as the veteran quarterback had thrown eight touchdowns to 18 interceptions this season. The Panthers will turn to their dynamic duo in the backfield, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The running backs have combined for 1566 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

Tampa Bay doesn't have much to look at on offense, though rookie quarterback Josh Freeman shows promise. He enjoyed his best game of the year against Atlanta, throwing for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. So far, he's justifying the Bucs spending a first-round pick on him.

Betting Edge: Panthers

Buccaneers vs Panthers betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
Tampa Bay's defense has been beaten into submission this season. Allowing 28.5 points per game, head coach Raheem Morris finally took over play-calling duties. It helped against the Falcons, as Tampa Bay racked up six sacks—after collecting just 17 in its first 10 games. Still, this is not a great unit.

Carolina is actually worse at rushing the passer, with just 21 sacks on the season. The Panthers have enjoyed much success against the pass in spite of this, holding opponents to just 181.3 yards per game (third-best in the NFL). Of course, why throw against Carolina when you can run? The Panthers have one of the worst run defense in the NFL. That said, they're still better than Tampa.

Betting Edge: Panthers

Buccaneers vs Panthers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Delhomme is almost certainly not playing for Carolina; he'll be replaced by Matt Moore. Both Panthers running backs are banged up, though they are both expected to be fine to play. Tampa, meanwhile, is dealing with injuries across the board, including corner Aquib Talib, receiver Michael Clayton, and running back Carnell Williams.

Betting Edge: Panthers

Buccaneers vs Panthers betting odds for total: 40
Losing Delhomme doesn't really set Carolina back, but the offense wasn't especially potent to begin with; the Panthers have been one-dimensional all year and should be able to run the ball somewhat effectively. Tampa Bay's offense is the dregs, though. Even with Freeman's nice performance last week, the Bucs managed just 17 points. Take the under at your sportsbook.

Pick: UNDER 40

Buccaneers vs Panthers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Carolina emerged victories in Week 6 with a 28-21 win over Tampa Bay. Williams and Stewart led the way with 262 yards and three touchdowns, but they won't find as much success this time around—the Bucs are noticeably scrappier since then. Regardless, the Panthers will find a way to run the ball, especially with Tampa allowing 160 per game on the ground. Bet on Carolina.

STAN'S PICK: Panthers -6

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