Panthers (6-9) at Bucs (7-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla. TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Bucs by 3
Panthers’ keys to victory: Even after trading away their best offensive weapon, the Panthers have been at their best when they’re able to run the ball consistently, so a steady dose of RBs D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard should be the recipe again. If they can move the ball effectively on the ground, it should free up QB Sam Darnold to take some deep shots off play-action to WR DJ Moore. On defense, the quickest way to give the Bucs trouble is to get constant pressure on QB Tom Brady, particularly from the interior, so DT Derrick Brown needs to have a big game.
Bucs’ keys to victory: Tampa Bay has struggled on offense all year, but when it has found success, it’s been with plenty of playaction regardless of whether the ground game is working. Feeding Pro Bowl WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin early and often should be a top priority, and rookie RB Rachaad White and TE Cade Otton should be heavily featured as well. This defense desperately needs more splash plays, so look for HC Todd Bowles to dial up creative blitz packages for LBs Lavonte David and Devin White.
Matchup to watch: Panthers’ Brown vs. Bucs’ interior offensive line. Injuries have left the Bucs struggling to block well inside, and Brown is one of the most disruptive interior defenders.
Who wins? The NFC South is on the line, and the Panthers upset the Bucs in Carolina this year. Look for Brady and the Bucs to get revenge with just enough big plays on both sides of the ball, treating the home crowd to a narrow win.
Bucs, 23-19