Week 17 Expert Pick: Panthers vs. Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers close out their season series with the division rival Carolina Panthers in Week 17, hoping to complete the sweep after winning in overtime at Charlotte in Week 13. The Buccaneers almost certainly need to win the game to keep their goal of a fourth consecutive NFC South title in play. The Bucs and Panthers kick off at 1:00 PM on Sunday, December 29 at Raymond James Stadium. To find out how to watch, listen and live stream the game, click here.

Many analysts are impressed with the recent play of second-year quarterback Bryce Young and how the Panthers’ offense seems to be figuring things out under head coach Dave Canales. However, at least one wonders how the young passer will fare against a Todd Bowles defense that is never shy about bringing the blitz. Another pundit noted that Carolina’s “renewed” pass rush has been much more productive in recent weeks. As remarkable as the Panthers’ offensive improvement has been, Brooke Cersosimo of NFL.com notes that the Buccaneers’ offense has been even better, writing:

“(C)en the surging unit replicates last week’s performance and keeps pace with a near-average Baker Mayfield-led offense 10 more points per match? That will be tough to do on the road, and it doesn’t help that Carolina’s defense ranks last in points allowed per possession. game (29.9), rushing yards allowed per game (175.2) and yards allowed per carry (5.1). I expect Todd Bowles’ group to be on a mission after last week’s crushing loss to Dallas, which knocked the Bucs out of the division lead. Tampa has little room for error in the playoffs now.”

The Buccaneers are eight-point underdogs at home, but know from recent experience that they will have to play their best game to overcome a still struggling Carolina team. That said, a majority of experts believe the Bucs will do what they need to do to keep their playoff hopes alive. Here’s what some of them say:

NFL.com – Bucs is the choice for all five experts

ESPN.com – ESPN gathers a whopping 11 analysts to make picks, and only one disagrees with Carolina

CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco thinks Baker Mayfield will come up big in a Bucs win

USA today – Jarrett Bell and five cohorts all agree that the Bucs will get the much-needed victory

Bleacher Report – If you choose against the spread, six out of eight analysts expect Carolina to cover

Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio and Chris Simms agree on Tampa Bay

Sports Illustrated – Two of six on the MMQB prediction crew’s side with the visiting Panthers

Sports news – Vinnie Iyer among four to go with Buccaneers in mainly high-scoring predictions