NFL predictions: The Bucs really shouldn’t be a problem for the Panthers

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Panthers vs Bucs is an opportunity for Carolina to prove they are a good team

We’re now at the point of the season where we traditionally would start phasing in heavier coverage of the 2027 NFL Draft and salary cap to provide an optimistic angle towards next season. Unfortunately for our traditions, the Carolina Panthers are actually playing well this year. They are entering the middle of the season as the number three seed in the NFC playoff picture and are forcing their fans to confront the fact that some games should be expected as wins.

I’m not saying that it will be easy. I’m not saying that an off day by Bryce Young or Will Lee III couldn’t derail their entire season’s momentum. But the most-of-Baker Mayfield they’ll be playing against on Sunday, led by the owner of the hottest seat in the NFC South in Todd Bowles, aren’t the kind of team that should be expected to be beat a good team right now. The Carolina Panthers are trying to convince us all that they are a good team. The next step in their argument will always be simple: play the next game on their schedule and play it well.

I think maybe they can do just that. So, too, do the folks over at FanDuel . They’re holding the Panthers as -2.5 point favorites after opening with them as -3 point favorites.

Panthers 31, Buccaneers 7 -Bryce Young keeps the offense on track, but the wheels start to come off for both Mayfield and Bowles. The reaper may well strike again.

Panthers 27, Buccaneers 14 - The defense capitalizes on whatever the Bucs have going on at quarterback while the offense keeps rolling.

Panthers 21, Buccaneers 24 - Baker Mayfield has a classic angry game, Panthers lose.*

*Editor’s note: Brian hasn’t predicted a win for the Panthers since Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns.

Panthers 30, Buccaneers 17 - The Panthers didn’t Panther last week against a depleted and inferior team, and hopefully that’s a sign of things to come this week against another depleted team.

Panthers 27, Buccaneers 17 -I’m buying the good vibes in the building right now. The Bucs continue to underperform and half their roster has an illness. A trip to Bank of America won’t be the cure.

Panthers 27, Buccaneers 17 - The Bucs have failed to score 20 points in four of their last five games, and the Panthers offense is rolling.

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