Panthers vs Buccaneers Odds - Carolina ground attack will finally bust out
The Panthers vs Buccaneers odds aren’t what they were to NFL betting year ago, when both teams were contending for the NFC South title. Currently, the Panthers and Bucs are a combined 1-8. Carolina could have newfound confidence after winning last week but the Bucs will be desperate as they seek their first win at home.
Panthers vs Buccaneers Odds: Panthers -3 (Total: 40)
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Panthers vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Let’s face it – barring some sort of miracle run, the Panthers and Bucs are playing for pride right now. If there’s a “storyline” besides that, it’s Tampa’s quest to avoid the 0-16 season.
Panthers vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Offense
They’ve each faced some tough defenses, but the Panthers and Bucs have really struggled offensively this season, both ranking in the NFL’s bottom five in points per game. The Panthers have more potential for a rebound based on personnel. Jake Delhomme will never be a top-15 quarterback again but he still has Steve Smith at his disposal; DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart remain a talented running back tandem. If they’re finally going to explode, this is the week to do it, as the Bucs allow 152.6 rushing yards per game. Tampa Bay’s passing game is in a “rebuilding” state as Josh Johnson has the reins. He’s been better than expected but still has a long way to go before online sports betting fans can trust him. After gouging the Cowboys in Week 1, the Bucs running game has been a major disappointment; none of Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham has stepped up to earn a starter’s workload. Betting Edge: Panthers
Panthers vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Defense
We’ll see plenty of rushing yards on Sunday as both teams simply can’t stop the run this season. However, whereas teams can pass on the Bucs without problems, the Panthers are surprisingly good against the pass this season. They quietly rank second in the NFL in pass defense despite their 1-3 record; that’s not a misprint. And that’s after facing Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo and Matt Ryan in their first three games. They won’t necessarily pressure Johnson a ton but they’ll force him to make accurate throws. Betting Edge: Panthers
Panthers vs Buccaneers odds for total: 40
Though the rushing totals will be big, a run-first approach on either side will chew up the clock. Don’t expect each team to post particularly big numbers. Topping 40 total points is a sports betting long shot. Pick: Under 40
Panthers vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
For all intents and purposes the Panthers will play at full strength this Sunday. It appears the Bucs will have all major personnel present as well, including center Jeff Faine, who seems ready to return from a triceps injury. However, since Faine’s arm won’t be completely healed and his role is so important, he could open the door for the Panthers’ D-line to penetrate. Betting Edge: Panthers
Panthers vs Buccaneers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
With each passing week, the Bucs appear more likely to snag a top-five or top-three draft pick next spring. Their offense is bad, but not that bad; the real problem is the defense, which went from effective to atrocious in one offseason after co-ordinator Monte Kiffin blew town. The Panthers ran wild on Tampa the last time these two teams met, amassing 299 rushing yards, and Sunday could yield a similar result. STAN’S PICK: Panthers -3
For full Panthers vs Buccaneers odds, visit the BetOnline.com sportsbook after you read our comprehensive NFL week 6 coverage in the Betting Edge section. Stan Simmons is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.
