Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 18 game
After failing to win the NFC South in Week 17, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) will get another shot at clinching the division crown when they travel to face the Carolina Panthers (2-14).
It was a complete dud in Tampa Bay on Sunday, as the Buccaneers were completely outmatched by the New Orleans Saints to see their four-game winning streak snapped. The offense wasn't able to score until the fourth quarter, a concerning effort for one of the most improved offenses this season.
Carolina has officially clinched the worst record in the NFL, thanks to an all-around bad performance in a shutout loss to the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars. With the top pick in next year's draft going to Chicago, Carolina can only hope to look for positive momentum heading into next season.
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Panthers vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Buccaneers are favorites to defeat the Panthers, according to BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Buccaneers (-4.5)
Moneyline: Buccaneers (-225); Panthers (+180)
Over/under: 37
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NFL Week 18 odds, predictions and picks
Cardinals vs. Seahawks | Ravens vs. Steelers | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | Bengals vs. Browns | Lions vs. Vikings | Packers vs. Bears | Colts vs. Texans | Chargers vs. Chiefs | Raiders vs. Broncos | Dolphins vs. Bills | Patriots vs. Jets | Saints vs. Falcons | Giants vs. Eagles | 49ers vs. Rams | Titans vs. Jaguars | Commanders vs. Cowboys
Lorenzo Reyes: Buccaneers 18, Panthers 7
Tampa Bay needs to win this game to win the NFC South. The Bucs are fortunate in that they’re playing the 2-14 Panthers who have mostly looked lost this season. Baker Mayfield had been hot before that dud against the Saints and he should sort through the team’s third-down issues from last week.
Tyler Dragon: Buccaneers 24, Panthers 17
The objective is simple for the Bucs – win and get in. Tampa Bay had a bad loss last week, so the team should be more focused in Week 18. The Bucs are fortunate to play the worst team in the NFL in a must-win game.
Safid Deen: Buccaneers 24, Panthers 14
Tampa Bay lost to New Orleans last week and still has the lead in the NFC South. The only thing keeping them from a playoff berth and division title is a win over the worst team in the NFL. The Buccaneers should win easily.
Victoria Hernandez: Buccaneers 27, Panthers 10
The NFC South title is yet again wide open as the regular season comes to a close. The Buccaneers will be vying for their spot in the playoffs and pull off a dominant win against hands down the worst team in the league.
Jordan Mendoza: Buccaneers 23, Panthers 10
Carolina hung around the last time it played Tampa Bay, but it might have to do this without Bryce Young. The offense was horrid last week, a good sign for a Tampa Bay team needing a victory. The Buccaneers end Carolina's miserable season by winning the NFC South.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers: Predictions, picks, odds
