Panthers Host Buccaneers in Important NFC South Battle
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, (9-3 SU, 7-5 ATS, 5-7 O/U) have won four straight games in the BetUS Sportsbook. The Carolina Panthers, (9-3 SU, 6-5-1 ATS, 5-7 O/U) recorded a solid win over the Green Bay Packers the last time out.
Now, both NFC South foes will be looking to pick up a victory for fans and NFL online betting backers when they meet at Bank of America Stadium in Monday night.
The Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 23-20 on Sunday, but failed to cover the spread in the BetUS Sportsbook as a 3.5-point home favorite last week.
Quarterback Jeff Garcia completed just 9 of 23 passes for 119 yards with one touchdown for Tampa Bay, while hooking up with wide receiver Antonio Bryant three times for 63 yards and one score. Running back Carnell Williams added another rushing touchdown – his first trip to the end zone in 14 months – and 20 yards on four carries.
“That was big,” said Williams. “I really feel something special about this team. This is a championship team. We continue to get better; the chemistry continues to grow.”
The Panthers are coming off a 35-31 over the Green Bay Packers as a 3-point road underdog last week. Quarterback Jake Delhomme completed 12 of 17 passes for 177 yard with one touchdown run in the win.
“It just means we’re 9-3,” wide receiver Steve Smith said. “It’s nothing to go start making T-shirts about. It’s just a record. We’ve got a very good opponent coming in our house Monday night. That’s our next focus.”
Running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for 72 yards and a whopping four touchdowns on 21 carries for Carolina.
“(DeAngelo) had to carry more of the load today,” Panthers coach John Fox said. “When he has, when we’ve called on him, he’s come up. He’s done a tremendous job for us.”
“There are a lot of people who are fighting for their playoff lives, and we’re one of them,” Panthers coach John Fox said.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Pick.
The Buccaneers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
The Buccaneers are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
The Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
The Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games in December.
The Over is 5-0 in Buccaneers last 5 games in December.
The Under is 8-0 in Panthers last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
The Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Carolina.
The Under is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.
NFL Odds
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 Ev
Carolina Panthers -3 -120
Over 38 -110
Under 38 -110
Analysis: This looks like another hard-fought NFC South battle here bettors. Both teams here have gone a spotless 6-0 at home and identical 3-3 on the road which leads me to believe the Panthers are going to win. With a 3-point spread, I think a worst-case scenario is that this game turns out to be a push.
Take the Panthers to cover and win at home.
