The Carolina Panthers (5-11) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4) for a Week 18 game Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Panthers vs. Buccaneers odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Panthers have dropped six in a row, and they have failed to cover each of the past six outings, too. Carolina’s offense has struggled tremendously, as neither QB Sam Darnold nor QB Cam Newton has been able to move the ball.
The defending champion Bucs took care of the Panthers by a 32-6 score at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in Week 16, covering an 11.5-point number.
Tampa is still battling the Los Angeles Rams for the No. 2 seed, and head coach Bruce Arians was adamant this week that the team will not rest starters in this season finale.
Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NFL Week 18 picks and predictions
Panthers at Buccaneers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 5:05 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Panthers +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | Buccaneers -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +8.5 (-112) | Buccaneers -8.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Panthers at Buccaneers key injuries
Panthers
- WR Robby Anderson (quadriceps) questionable
- DT Derrick Brown (elbow) questionable
- S Sean Chandler (groin) doubtful
Buccaneers
- LB Shaquil Barrett (knee) out
- C Ryan Jensen (shoulder) questionable
- RB Ronald Jones II (ankle) out
- LB Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) out
- CB Richard Sherman (Achilles) doubtful
Let’s Make This Interesting
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Panthers at Buccaneers odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Buccaneers 33, Panthers 12
Money line
The Buccaneers (-450) will cost you four and a half times your potential return. They’re playing to win, and it’s hard to envision a scenario where the Panthers (+330) rise up and win, but you can’t risk that kind of money for such a small return. That’s amateur hour.
AVOID.
Against the spread
The BUCCANEERS -8.5 (-108) are playing for the two-seed in the NFC, while the Panthers +8.5 (-112) have looked lost across the past month and a half.
Carolina has shown no signs of being able to win an NFL game lately, let alone win on the turf of the defending champs.
Over/Under
The OVER 41.5 (-112) is a strong play, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Bucs nearly take care of this number on their own.
Tampa won 32-6 in the first meeting, nearly hitting the Over with little help from Carolina. Look for a similar lopsided score.
Also see: NFL Week 18 odds and lines
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