Betting Line
Point Spread: Buccaneers -3.5
Total: 46.5
Cam Newton may have an easy time of it against the Buc's lacklustre pass rush.
QB Cam Newton and RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 34 carries, 192 yards and three scores last week. Look for them to try and duplicate that production this week as they face a defense that was gouged for 202 yards on the ground last week and allows 4.8 yards-per-carry. Tampa Bay’s front seven is small but not quick like their defenses of the past. Newton has improved as a passer this year and is completing 61% of his passes. Tampa Bay has mustered only 17 sacks in 11 games despite drafting four D-linemen in the top two rounds over the past two seasons. With time in the pocket, Newton will be able to take some deep shots with WR Steve Smith (59-1,060-5). Look for TE Greg Olsen to also make his presence felt.
The Buccaneers have averaged only 17 points during their current losing streak as QB Josh Freeman is having a worse season than Newton, statistically. Not that the rookie is having a bad season but Freeman was certainly expected to have better numbers. With a lack of speed on the outside, Freeman tends to zero in on TE Kellen Winslow II. WR Mike Williams is having a bit of a sophomore slump and hasn’t provided the big plays he did last year. RB LaGarrette Blount remains the focal point of the offense and has been productive in recent weeks (back-to-back 100-yard efforts). The Panthers’ run defense has been soft in the middle and they allow the same yards per carry that Tampa Bay allows. However, with the lack of a deep threat, look for Carolina to pack the line of scrimmage against Blount and force the Bucs to beat them through the air.
These are two teams going nowhere but Carolina is trending up. They have an offense that can score (24 points-per-game over last five games) and are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games. Tampa Bay has trouble scoring and is 2-6 ATS over their past five games. We feel the Panthers have a real shot to win this game and they are also getting more than a FG.
Take the Panthers
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