Tampa Bay @ Carolina preview
Bank of America Stadium
Last Meeting ( Dec 24, 2017 ) Tampa Bay 19, Carolina 22
The Carolina Panthers aim for their 10th consecutive home victory dating to last season when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an NFC South clash on Sunday. The Panthers have won two straight contests and four of five overall to remain one game behind division-leading New Orleans, while the Buccaneers are making another change at quarterback after dropping four of their last five.
The Panthers are trying to stay within striking distance of the Saints, whom they will face twice in the final three weeks of the regular season, while Tampa Bay needs to turn things around to stay on the fringe of the playoff picture. The Bucs have turned back to Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback after the journeyman relieved Jameis Winston and nearly led them to a comeback win in last week’s 37-34 loss to Cincinnati. "What I've learned is that you've always got to stay ready, and you've got to take advantage of your opportunities when you get them," Fitzpatrick told reporters. "Because the biggest thing about the NFL is, it's a performance-based league and you have to go out there and perform, and if you don't, there are other guys that are going to be able to. That's something that I've learned, and I've been on both sides of it plenty in my career." Winston has thrown 10 interceptions in 13 quarters of play, which was a concern against a Carolina defense that thrives on turnovers and has 13 takeaways – including nine picks.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -6. O/U: 55
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (3-4): Fitzpatrick took over late in the third quarter last week and flashed some of the magic he showed in leading the Bucs to a 2-0 start while Winston was suspended. Regardless of which quarterback is at the helm, Tampa Bay has put up NFL-leading passing numbers thanks to a dynamic receiving corps, and Peyton Barber is emerging as a rushing threat. The defense has been a disaster, however, allowing at least 400 total yards in six of seven games and forcing only one turnover over the last four contests.
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (5-2): Carolina possesses the league’s second-best rushing attack that is led by versatile back Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Cam Newton, who also is on pace for career-best passing numbers. Newton should be able to have success throwing against Tampa Bay's porous secondary, although he could be without receiver Torrey Smith (knee) for a second consecutive game. The Panthers’ defense was stout in last week’s 36-21 win over Baltimore, allowing 325 total yards and forcing three turnovers - giving Carolina 12 takeaways in its five wins.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Carolina has allowed only 10 sacks, tied for the second-fewest in the NFL and the second-lowest total through the first seven games in franchise history.
2. Tampa Bay WR DeSean Jackson has 24 touchdowns of 60 or more yards, the most in NFL history.
3. Newton has thrown at least two touchdown passes in six straight games.
PREDICTION: Panthers 30, Buccaneers 23