The top spot in the NFC South is up for grabs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers this Sunday.
While both teams have had their opportunities to take control of the division, they’ll take matching 7-7 records into the Week 16 bout. My early Buccaneers vs. Panthers predictions and NFL picks call for Tampa Bay finding its way on offense to cover the number in a high-scoring game.
Buccaneers vs Panthers predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Early Buccaneers vs Panthers spread pick: Buccaneers -3
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did a lot right for the bulk of their Week 15 loss to the Falcons on Thursday Night Football, and I’m anticipating the added time to sit on the loss and prepare for the Carolina Panthers to be one of the deciding factors on Sunday.
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield tossed a crushing interception last week, but otherwise played one of his better games of late with a solid 8.8 yards per attempt and the fifth-highest air yards on the week ahead of Monday Night Football.
Bucs star receiver Mike Evans returning and hauling in a monster 132 receiving yards helped, and the Tampa Bay offense is now healthier than it's been in weeks.
Additionally, with the Panthers generating QB pressure at the second-lowest clip in the NFL and ranking second-last in PFF pass rush grade, I’m also expecting Mayfield to have the time to move the football.
On the opposite sideline, this Panthers offense has flashed, but it’s largely faltered. Black Cats quarterback Bryce Young also sports below-average marks in YPA, aDoT, and EPA_CPOE composite.
So, I’m anticipating Tampa to batten down the hatches against the Carolina rushing attack to force Young to beat the Bucs through the air. It’s a recipe for success for a Tampa Bay defense allowing the fourth-lowest rushing success rate in the league, too.
Early Buccaneers vs Panthers total pick: Over 45.5
While the Bucs have shown success stopping the run, opposing offenses have torched them through the air. Tampa Bay has allowed the fourth-highest EPA per dropback since its Week 9 bye, after all.
Look for Young and the Panthers to put enough points on the board to do their part in sending this total Over the number.
Additionally, Tampa Bay having its full assortment of weapons back on offense, along with the extra prep time, is a huge boost for Mayfield. Carolina has allowed a healthy average of 23.8 points across its past four games.
The Panthers allowing the lowly Saints to post the sixth-highest offensive success rate and fourth-highest dropback success rate of Week 15 ahead of Monday Night Football also has my attention.
Finally, the Over has also hit in four of the past five meetings between the NFC South foes, too.
Buccaneers vs Panthers odds
- Buccaneers vs. Panthers spread: Panthers +3
- Buccaneers vs. Panthers moneyline: Buccaneers -155, Panthers +135
- Buccaneers vs. Panthers Over/Under: 45.5
How to watch Buccaneers vs Panthers
- Buccaneers vs. Panthers matchup
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Charlotte, NC
- 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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
