Neither the Buccaneers nor the Panthers are having the seasons they were hoping for. As we look ahead to the NFL schedule this week, this divisional clash seems minor overall with an easy-to-predict Buccaneers vs. Panthers Moneyline.
However, the Buccaneers, who lead the division, will need to have a big-time performance against a Panthers team who is at the rear. It’s time, as we do every week, to make some NFL Week 7 predictions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Forecast
Well, the Buccaneers are leading the division, but not in the way anyone could’ve really expected coming into this year. For the first time, we may have some validity when asking if Tom Brady is truly at the end of his career.
NFL Team Stats
When looking at NFL team stats, their offense isn’t producing as they rank 20th in points scored and 32nd in rush yards, and though they are 5th in pass yards, they are 22nd in pass averages meaning they aren’t getting as much as they probably should on their many passes.
Fans anxiously await the return of Julio Jones and hope that Cameron Brate heals quickly after suffering an injury in the loss to the Steelers. Akiem Hicks and Mike Edwards are both missing pieces to the team as well.
Overall for being as injured as they are, 3-3 isn’t a bad record. You just know that they wish they could get back a couple of them, like Pittsburgh, for example.
This week will be a perfect opportunity for the Buccaneers to get back into the swing of things against a division rival that is imploding in front of everyone.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Buccaneer’s money line opened a couple of weeks ago at -450.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line is now priced at -460. This move is thanks to the absolute spiral the Panthers are on currently. However, the movement is minimal thanks to a shocking loss against the also lackluster Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
Though expensive, a Buccaneers vs. Panthers Moneyline bet might be a good parlay leg.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Tampa was playing catch-up all day against the Steelers. If they find themselves again and they could be in trouble.
NFL Pick: (-460)
Spread Line
Opening Line
The spread line originally opened at -9.5 for Tampa.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
With the subtle changes to the money line odds comes a half-a-point difference in the spread. Though only half a point, it could be a pivotal half-point because you need more than a touchdown and field goal to then win the bet.
What Makes Lose the Bet
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves playing from behind last week to a team that many had written off. If the Buccaneers find themselves in a similar situation, they will still be able to find the win but maybe not by such a wide margin.
NFL Pick: -10 (-110)
Total
Opening Line
The Over/Under opened at 41.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
There has been no movement on the total line as both teams struggle to exude confidence on the offensive side of the ball. I’ll probably stick to the under on this one.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Maybe this is the week that Tom and the Tampa offense just piece it all together and figure it out. I’m willing to bet against it, though.
NFL Pick: 40.5 (-110)
Betting Trend to Know
Tampa is 0-4 the past four weeks against the spread. With another large spread to cover ahead of them, can they break the streak?
Carolina Panthers Season Forecast
The short-lived Matt Rhule era in Carolina has come to an end and left the Panthers even more clueless as to what to do than before.
The Panthers look, quite frankly, like a team that doesn’t belong, as their margins of losing are getting larger as the season goes on, and there are no signs that it is going to change anytime soon.
Three Injured Quarterbacks
The Carolina Panthers have three injured QBs though there is hope and speculation that either PJ Walker or Sam Darnold will be ready come game day.
The Panthers are also currently missing Jaycee Horn, a huge presence for the Panthers’ pass defense, and Frankie Luvu.
With the majority of the team playing for future opportunities at this point of the season, it’s hard to envision this Panthers squad rallying to save this season.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Buccaneers vs. Panthers Moneyline opened at +360 for the Panthers.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
As much as the Buccaneers have not been looking great, the Panthers fired their head coach early in the season and have three injured QB with no clear indicator early in the week as to who will be under center. There is probably value on the +370 line; I just personally don’t see this upset occurring.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Tom playing decently will keep the Panthers playing catch up. If Carolina’s offense can find lots of sustained production, they have a chance.
NFL Pick: (+370)
Spread Line
Opening Line
The Spread opened at +9.5 for the Carolina Panthers.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line currently sits at +10, heavily increasing the odds of Carolina covering, considering the math breakdown of the most frequent intervals of scoring.
Usually, a team like Carolina will cause the lines to swing a lot, but it hasn’t due to the fact that Tampa is on pace to be declining at the same rate.
What Makes Lose the Bet
The thing about Brady is you never know when he is going to just get the offense to click. It could happen at any time, even this week.
NFL Pick: +10 (-110)
Total
Opening Line
The point total opened at 41
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The point total has stayed at 41 due to stagnant offensive play.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Either of the underperforming offense finally figures out what their team needs to get production.
Betting Trend to Know
Carolina is 1-5 against the spread this year in what has not been a great outing.
NFL Pick: 40.5 (-110)
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
Christian McCaffrey
The lifeline of the Panther’s offense expects him to have good yards and a TD.
Tom Brady
The G.O.A.T can put up great performances against bad teams regardless of teammates. I expect him to have over two passing TDs.
Mike Evans
Brady’s favorite receiver has been on fire this season when he’s been on the field. With no Gronk, Brady leans on Evans in big-time moments. Evans catching a touchdown will always be a good bet.
Player prop odds and lines are not out at the time of this publishing.
NFL Pick: Under 41
Pick: Panthers +10 (-110)
NFL Pick: Under 40.5 (-110)
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