The Carolina Panthers host the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday Dec 24th, as both teams have no chance of making the playoffs. NFL oddsmakers have the Panthers as -7.5 point home favorites over the Buccaneers with the over/under set at 48 points. Be sure to get the latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers Spreads before making your 2011 NFL Predictions Week 16.
Tampa Bay (4-10, 1-5 V) lost to Dallas, 15-31, at home, in Week 15. The Bucs lost for the eighth straight time and played a miserable first half that certainly didn’t do anything to help Coach Raheem Morris make a case for keeping his job. Tampa Bay managed just one first down and was outgained 279 yards to 55 in the first two quarters, yet found a way to make it more interesting in the second half, but not enough for a win.
Tampa Bay has been one of the league’s biggest disappointments this season after their Cinderella run towards a playoff spot at the end of last season came up just short. However with a young emerging talent at each of the game’s marquee offensive positions and a shutdown corner who would match up against the opposition’s best offensive threat it is safe to say that the Bucs season has been less than impressive and they will be searching for answers in the offseason. Josh Freeman, LaGarrette Blount, Mike Williams, Kellen Winslow, and Aqib Talib have all had setback seasons and collectively as a result so have the Bucs. Now they’re coming off a thrashing at the hands of the inconsistent Dallas Cowboys at home in the national spotlight and face a division rival who is soaring behind a stellar road effort from a rookie quarterback against a division winner.
Carolina (5-9, 2-5 H) ended Houston’s seven-game winning streak with a 28-13 win over the Texans on Sunday. QB Cam Newton completed 13 of 23 passes for a season low 149 yards. Carolina produced just 23 yards and one first down in the third quarter. But Newton quieted the revived crowd with a 26-yard pass to Shockey early in the fourth. DeAngelo Williams sprinted 24 yards through a gaping hole on the next snap to put Carolina in front 28-13.
Carolina has played in some very tight contests this season but have unfortunately come out on the losing end which has significantly altered their playoff chances but they can still finish with a respectable 7-9 record and look ahead to a bright future with Newton at the helm for years to come. They enter this one as 7-point favourites and I think that is a modest line based on the circumstances these teams are coming out of. The Bucs were waxed at home by the Cowboys while the Panthers went into Reliant Stadium and trounced the Texans. Now Tampa must go on the road while the Panthers return home to what should be a warm welcome in Carolina.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Favorite is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Carolina.
Buccaneers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 meetings in Carolina.
Buccaneers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Buccaneers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.
Buccaneers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Buccaneers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games in December.
Buccaneers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Panthers are 16-6 ATS in their last 22 games in December.
Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers
When: Saturday, Dec 24th, 2011 1:00 EST
Pick: Carolina -7.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Buccaneers vs Panthers Spreads before the game kicks-off.
The Bottom Line: The Panthers pass game is superior to the Bucs defense. NFL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan went 2-1 ATS in Week 15, winning on underdogs Kansas City and Carolina to bring his NFL Predictions record to 73-39-4 for the season. Morgan, whose 2011 NFL Picks are hitting at 65% against the spread. Tyler’s moves have put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week. The good news for NFL Football bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
