The NFC South is on the line with the Carolina Panthers visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Saturday, January 3.
It’s win or go home, and my early Panthers vs. Buccaneers predictions and NFL picks expect Tampa Bay and Baker Mayfield to flip the script and punch a postseason ticket in Week 18.
Panthers vs Buccaneers 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.
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Early Panthers vs Buccaneers spread pick: Buccaneers -3
Perhaps even more discouraging than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers losing four consecutive games by just 11 combined points is they’ve also failed to cover the spread in eight straight.
Still, the Bucs have a shot to punch a postseason ticket with a home win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 18, and I think the fortune flips for Tampa on Saturday.
The Panthers eked out a 23-20 home win over the Buccaneers in Week 16, and Tampa Bay was driving late to win or tie the game before a costly Baker Mayfield interception sealed the deal with under a minute left in the game.
There’s no sugarcoating Mayfield’s play during the highlight eight-game losing streak against the spread. He’s 25th in EPA+CPOE composite while throwing for a discouraging 6.2 yards per attempt, and he’s also thrown eight interceptions and lost two fumbles.
Tampa has its full complement of offensive weapons back in the saddle, though, and I think the Bucs can do enough on defense to win and snap their skid against the spread.
Early Panthers vs Buccaneers total pick: Under 44.5
The Panthers and Buccaneers combined for just 43 points and hit the Under 44.0 in Week 16, and neither offense is putting up big numbers.
Carolina has played to the Under in three straight games, averaging just 16.7 points per game, while Tampa Bay has hit the Under in consecutive games, averaging 18.5 per game.
In addition to the highlighted Mayfield struggles, Panthers QB Bryce Young hasn’t been a consistent force, either.
He’s 21st in adjusted EPA per play with a middling 6.8 YPA and only 10 touchdown passes across seven games since Week 10. Young also threw for just 6.0 YPA at home against the Bucs two weeks ago.
Panthers vs Buccaneers odds
- Panthers vs. Buccaneers spread: Buccaneers -3
- Panthers vs. Buccaneers moneyline: Panthers +124, Buccaneers -146
- Panthers vs. Buccaneers Over/Under: 44.5
How to watch Panthers vs Buccaneers
- Panthers vs. Buccaneers matchup
- Date: Sunday, January 3, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET
- City: Tampa, FL
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- TV: ABC/ESPN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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