Week 17 of the NFL schedule is already here, and thank goodness the season became expanded. Did anybody expect the Carolina Panthers to still be alive this late in the season? Is this not Tom Brady’s division? 2022 has been crazy, but NFL Week 17 marks a new year, and all eyes are on the Panthers vs Buccaneers’ spread.
In an NFC South battle at the top of the NFL standings, both teams are looking to finish their season on a high note. The Panthers enter Sunday’s contest 6-9, while the Buccaneers are 7-8 in a division that has been quite underwhelming.
Even the smartest NFL expert picks could not have predicted this matchup would have playoff implications, but here we are. It is time to bring in the new year with the biggest game of the season if you are a fan of either of these organizations.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds
Carolina Panthers Season Forecast
If you were to give an entire season forecast on the Carolina Panthers, you would have to write a novel. Heck, if they pull off the unthinkable and capture a playoff spot, this whole season could be a movie. Win, lose, or tie, this season has been a rollercoaster for the Panthers.
2022 featured Robby Anderson demanding a trade, former head coach Matt Rhule getting fired, and their generational running back Christian McCaffrey getting traded. That sounds like a recipe for a first-round pick, but instead, a trip to the playoffs could be in the future.
After a poor loss in NFL Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, many thought the season was over for the Panthers. A bounce-back game came against the Detroit Lions, where everything clicked for Steve Wilks and company. Keeping in mind all of the NFL team stats, the math says the Panthers have a 21% chance to make the postseason.
Numbers do not lie, but everyone counted out the Panthers this year. The money will be made on the Panthers vs Buccaneers spread, but the moneyline will decide the fate of these two teams.
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Carolina Panthers opened up as +255 underdogs on the moneyline.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
They say times change, but in this case, it should be, lines change. The moneyline has moved to +135 after the Panthers’ unexpected dominant performance last week.
What Make Lose the Bet
Regardless of the score, if the Panthers lose this game, the moneyline will go in favor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The Carolina Panthers opened up on the lines at +7 on the moneyline.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
With the way Carolina’s offense is finally starting to gel, and they are staying off the NFL injury report, the line moved to +3.
What Make Lose the Bet
If the Panthers win or lose the game by less than three points, betting on them to cover will win you money.
Total
Opening Line
Week 17’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday opened with a point total of 41.5.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
After a week since the total opened at 41.5, the line has decreased to an even 39 points. The NFC South is the worst division in the NFL when it comes to the over/under, so this is no surprise the line is decreasing.
What Make Lose the Bet
Points will be at a premium, and if the Panthers and Buccaneers cannot combine for over 39 points, betting on the over will lose.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trend to Know
The Carolina Panthers have the best over/under record in the NFC South at 7-8 and are tied for the best record against the spread with the Atlanta Falcons at 8-7. That is even after the Falcons began the season as the best cover team in the NFL.
Out of the last nine NFL matchups, the Panthers are 7-2 against the spread. If you are betting on the Panthers vs Buccaneers spread, you have to know the Panthers have been hot in that regard to wrap up the calendar year. On top of that, the over has hit in their last four games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Forecast
Bettors have been asking themselves the same question for the entirety of the season: how is it possible to bet against Tom Brady? Well, it does not seem right, but if you have faded Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, your wallet will be happy.
In an emotional season for Brady for reasons on and off the field, the Buccaneers have struggled. Brady did not return to the NFL to miss the playoffs. He has great NFL player stats, but this is a team game. With a 79% chance to make the playoffs, the Buccaneers look to continue the narrative that Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time.
A missed trip to the playoffs could put a wrench in that argument. The NFL odds think the Bucs will get the job done, but they have been wrong many times before.
Moneyline
Opening Line
Las Vegas loved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to open at -305 over the Carolina Panthers on the moneyline.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The public still likes the Buccaneers, but a lot has changed in just a few days. Tampa Bay is now -155 on the moneyline. Looking at the dominating performance from Carolina against the Detroit Lions, this comes to no surprise. All of this is with the Bucs playing on their home field at Raymond James Stadium.
What Make Lose the Bet
If the Buccaneers fail to win the game, a bet placed on their moneyline will not win money.
Spread Line
Opening Line
You know it, I know it, the entire world knows it; all eyes are on the Panthers vs Buccaneers spread. Tampa Bay opened as -7 favorites at home in the divisional matchup.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
The line has drastically fallen to just -3 in support of Tampa Bay. Tom Brady and company have struggled to get things going offensively, and Carolina’s defense is clicking at just the right time. There is merit behind this line movement.
What Make Lose the Bet
If the Buccaneers lose this game, or win by less than three points, a bet on the spread will not hit.
Total
Opening Line
Week 17’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday opened with a point total of 41.5.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
After a week since the total opened at 41.5, the line has decreased to an even 39 points. The NFC South is the worst division in the NFL when it comes to the over/under, so this is no surprise the line is decreasing.
What Make Lose the Bet
Points will be at a premium, and if the Panthers and Buccaneers cannot combine for over 39 points, betting on the over will lose.
Tampa Bay Betting Trend to Know
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are below .500 on the moneyline, against the spread, and on the over/under. Their record on the moneyline is 7-8, their record against the spread is 3-11-1, and their over/under record is 4-11. There is not a recent trend to look at, as they have struggled against all categories this season.
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
Tom Brady
I am falling for the trap. This could very well be Tom Brady’s last season, and he is a man on a mission. Bet on the over for his touchdown total, bet on the over for passing yards, and bet it all on the veteran.
Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette totaled 20 carries and led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in total receptions with 9. He is a pivotal part of this offense and should cross the goal line in Week 17.
DJ Moore
All eyes are on D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard after their crazy Week 16 performance against the Detroit Lions. Because of that, we are going to zig-zag and bet on the passing game for the Panthers. DJ Moore will make you money this week as the entire Buccaneers team is preparing to stop the run.
Odds Breakdown
If the Carolina Panthers were still 7-point underdogs, I would take that in a heartbeat; however, that is not the case. With that being said, take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 (+100). The value is too good to pass up. They will get their fourth victory against the spread this season. Avoid the over/under and keep things simple with the spread.
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