For the second straight week, uncertainty lingers about what quarterback the Carolina Panthers will face.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have starter Baker Mayfield return at Wednesday's practice — ahead of schedule — and decide whether or not he can go on game day.
Regardless, my Buccaneers vs. Panthers predictions and early NFL picks lean toward a Panthers home cover.
Buccaneers vs Panthers predictions
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Early Buccaneers vs Panthers spread pick: Panthers -3.5
This line could shift toward the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Baker Mayfield is cleared to play, but I'd stick with the Carolina Panthers giving points as long as they're priced below 50%.
With or without Mayfield, Tampa's offense has struggled. The Bucs rank 29th in EPA/play, 25th in scoring, 24th in total yardage, and 28th in red-zone efficiency.
Mayfield, who has missed the last three games with a dislocated thumb, still ranks third on the team with 65 rushing yards. Undrafted rookie free agent Jalon Daniels, his replacement at quarterback, ranks second.
Meanwhile, the two quarterbacks have combined for more interceptions than touchdown passes.
On defense, the Bucs rank in the Top 3 against the run and in the Bottom 10 against the pass. So it will fall on Bryce Young to beat them.
In previous seasons, that would be a recipe for defensive success, but Young is an MVP candidate this season, leading the league in passing and ranking second in PFF grade.
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Early Buccaneers vs Panthers total pick: Under 44.5
The Panthers have been a scoring machine this season, but their defense has helped keep their games Under in three of their last four.
The Bucs have scored fewer than 20 points in four of their last five games and have gone Under in their last three non-overtime games.
Tampa's run defense will slow Chuba Hubbard down and make the Panthers offense one-dimensional. It won't be enough to shut Carolina down completely, but it'll throw a wrench in the Panthers' plans.
Young could turn the ball over once or twice, too, but the Panthers will hold on for the win in a defensive struggle. Invest in kickers for this NFC South rock fight in the making.
Buccaneers vs Panthers odds
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Buccaneers vs Panthers spread: Panthers -3.5 (47%)
- Buccaneers vs Panthers moneyline: Buccaneers 39%, Panthers 62%
- Buccaneers vs Panthers Over/Under: 44.5 (51%)
How to watch Buccaneers vs Panthers
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, 1 p.m. ET
- City: Charlotte, N.C.
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium
- TV: Fox
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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