Buccaneers

Our staff provides their predictions and analysis ahead of a critical NFC South showdown that could decide the division.

The Panthers totaled 185 rushing yards in a win over Denver, 223 rushing yards in a win over Seattle, and a franchise-best 320 yards in a win over Detroit. After the Panthers fired their head coach and traded away over 50% of their offensive production in the form of Christian McCaffrey earlier this season, most people expected them to roll over. I’m sure Tampa will put forth an extra effort to stop the run but that can open up the passing lanes for D.J Moore. Despite their record, the Panthers have won three of their past four games and are jockeying with the Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South. With most assuming this team will be one and done in the postseason if they do make it, it’s just the right time to clinch the division and rest everyone not seeking a record next weekend to get ready for a third straight playoff appearance. Carolina remains under .500 as well but the Panthers were inspired during their last matchup with the Buccaneers and have won three of their past four games with dominant efforts on the ground. And if they do, they'll have an extra week of rest to get some more players healthy before hosting a playoff game. On the other side, the Bucs just continue to underwhelm on offense. With that being said, the team is still fighting for a playoff spot and will need to put a complete performance together against the Carolina Panthers (6-9, 3-1 NFC South). I've got this one being a close game all of the way until the end. Tampa Bay allows an average of 120.3 rushing yards per game but Carolina racked up 173 yards on the ground during its win in Week 7. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8, 3-1 NFC South) pulled another victory out of the jaws of defeat on Christmas Day with a wild rally against Arizona in overtime.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rang in 2023 with something they have only seen one other time this season - 30 points on the scoreboard.

The Bucs then recovered the onside kick and ran the ball three times to force the Panthers to burn their timeouts. Two plays later, Brady snuck it in for the score and a 30-21 lead with just 1:58 left. Then, Brady lobbed the ball deep again to Evans, who snagged it in the end zone for the Bucs’ first lead of the day. He let it fly, and again it was in stride for Evans, who took it to the end zone. The Bucs were much more aggressive throwing the ball today, and it paid off handsomely. Darnold drove the Panthers to the Bucs’ 26 while saving all three timeouts, and Eddy Pineiro trimmed the lead to 30-24 with 0:59 left. After a Godwin first down, Brady dropped back and launched a ball deep downfield for Evans, who caught it in stride and trotted in for a 63-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, the ball was punched free from Godwin’s arms, and Carolina recovered to kill a promising drive. Facing 4th and 11, Todd Bowles opted for a 53-yard Ryan Succop field goal attempt, but the kick was wide and short. The teams exchanged punts before the Bucs drove the ball to the Carolina 35. [Leonard Fournette](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/football/nfl/player/8581/leonard-fournette) was the Bucs’ leading rusher with just 28 yards on 10 carries. [Tom Brady](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BradTo00.htm) completed 34 of 45 attempts for 432 yards and 3 touchdowns as the offense came alive in the fourth quarter to propel the Bucs to a 30-24 win over the Carolina Panthers.