Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12/3/23

Carolina Panthers (1-10) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)

The Carolina Panthers (1-10) meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) in an NFC South clash on Sunday, December 3rd. Based on the latest NFL picks and predictions, this game will come down to the Panthers’ struggling offense facing a Buccaneers defense looking to capitalize on mistakes.

The Panthers’ rushing attack has been lackluster, averaging just 111.5 rushing yards per game. Running back Chuba Hubbard is averaging only 40.8 rushing yards per contest. However, he managed 85 rushing yards in their last meeting with Tampa Bay, so he could be poised for another solid outing. Wide receiver Adam Thielen has been Carolina’s most reliable receiving weapon with 72.6 yards per game. But the Panthers will need their entire offense to step up to match the firepower of the Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay’s ground game has also underperformed this season, putting up only 99.1 rushing yards per game. Running back Rachaad White leads the team with 45.9 rushing yards per contest. Their best offensive threat is wideout Mike Evans, averaging 78 receiving yards per game and 16.3 yards per catch. Evans torched the Panthers for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns earlier this season. Carolina’s 29th-ranked scoring defense could be in for another long day trying to contain him.

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Info

When:	Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4:05 PM ET
Where:	Raymond James Stadium
TV:	CBS
Stream:	NFL Game Pass

Bryce Young QB vs. Baker Mayfield QB

Panthers QB Bryce Young has struggled in his rookie campaign, posting just 9 touchdown passes versus 8 interceptions. However, he has the mobility to evade Tampa Bay’s fierce pass rush. If Young can avoid turnovers, he can utilize playmakers like Thielen to move the chains. The key will be not trying to do too much against the Bucs’ ball-hawking secondary.

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield is having a solid statistical season with 15 touchdowns and just 6 picks. He torched the Panthers for 288 yards and 2 scores earlier this year. Mayfield is surrounded by playmakers like Evans, Chris Godwin and Leonard Fournette. He could be poised for another big day if Carolina fails to generate pressure.

NFL Odds/Point Spread: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6.5, Total Odds: 39.5

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 6.5-point home favorites. This large spread indicates that oddsmakers expect Tampa Bay’s 10th-ranked scoring offense to exploit Carolina’s porous defense. The total is set at just 39.5, so oddsmakers are projecting a relatively low-scoring affair between these NFC South rivals.

Carolina Panthers Betting Trends

The Panthers are just 2-7 against the spread in their last 9 contests. They have also gone under the total in 5 straight matchups. Carolina is 1-10 straight up in its last 11 outings and has not performed well on the road. The Panthers are 1-5 SU and ATS over their past 6 games against the Buccaneers. Considering these trends, betting Carolina does not seem advisable in this matchup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS over their last 5 outings. The under has hit in 7 of Tampa Bay’s previous 9 matchups as its offense has struggled to consistently score points. The Bucs are just 1-6 straight up in their last 7 games. However, they have owned the Panthers at home, going 5-1 SU in their previous 6 contests versus Carolina in Raymond James Stadium. The over has also hit in 5 of those last 6 home meetings.

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12/3/23 Betting Picks

In analyzing the data and trends, the Buccaneers emerge as the safer bet, especially given their stronger performance ATS and their home-field advantage. Their receiving corps, led by Mike Evans, is likely to challenge the Panthers’ defense, which has struggled to contain dynamic passing games.

For prop bets and over/under, considering both teams’ recent scoring patterns, betting on the UNDER seems prudent. Additionally, look for opportunities in betting markets, especially focusing on individual player performances such as Mike Evans’ receiving yards or Baker Mayfield’s touchdown passes. The top live betting options could offer value, given the dynamic nature of the game and the trends observed so far.