The Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter a crucial stretch of their seasons, both teams controlling their own destinies after suffering significant losses in Week 15. They’re all looking forward to their next game against one another. With a quest for the secret words and the shiny knife at stake, the pressure has never been greater!
As of this writing, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a 75.4% probability of winning the NFC South division, per ESPN Analytics. Together, they have a ridiculously good track record on recent performance. In 2023, they’ve already won that one game and have won nine of their last ten going back to 2020. In contrast, the Carolina Panthers have struggled, failing to secure consecutive wins since mid-October and losing four of their past seven games.
The Panthers’ inability to deploy their game plan effectively is reportedly keeping the coaching staff up at night. Head coach Dave Canales highlighted this issue, stating, “This team is trying to find an identity of professionalism, of maturity, to just have that consistent outcome weekly.” Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been an up and down roller coaster his whole career. This was even more evident once he sprained the AC joint in his left arm, his non-throwing arm. His decision making and accuracy is not what it once was, contributing to the Panthers’ abysmal start.
The Buccaneers would take the tiebreaker based on common opponents. This home-field edge might be the most important factor in determining who becomes division champ. If one of the two teams can sweep the matchups in Weeks 16 and 18, that team will take the division title. In recent years, this has been a dangerous rivalry as the Buccaneers have assumed control, winning the last four NFC South titles. Conversely, the Panthers haven’t won a division title since 2015, capping a run of three straight crowns.
The betting landscape is a pretty rough sign for Carolina as well. The Panthers’ record as betting favorites since 2021 is the worst in the NFL at 0-12 straight up. All seven of their wins this season have come as the definite underdog. This trend illustrates the hit or miss nature of their performance. It further brings into question whether they’ll be able to truly lead the charge against their competition.
As each team gets ready for their marquee matchups, both players’ teams share a must-win mentality. Buccaneers offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs spoke to the danger of letting your guard down during those last games of the season. “It’s a three-game season. You’ve just got to lock in for three weeks and get it done, honestly. At the end of the day, just get the job done,” he remarked.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles recognized the challenges and the lack of predictability that awaits his team. In his words, “There’s no f…
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