Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-10, 4-7 ATS) at Carolina Panthers (4-7, 4-7 ATS)
Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, N.C., Week 13 NFL, Sunday December 6th, 1:00PM Eastern
By Jay Horne of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Buccaneers +6.5/Panthers -6.5
Over/Under: 41.5
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The Carolina Panthers struggles continued last week in a 17-6 loss to the New York Jets. The Panthers who were 12-4 a year ago would now need a miraculous hot streak just to have a winning season. QB Jake Delhomme threw 4 interceptions last week equaling 18 total on the season which is the 2nd worst in the NFL behind only Jay Cutler. The Panthers lackluster offense has placed a lot of blame on Delhomme and for the most part he has not helped his own cause. In fact, Coach John Fox reportedly was considering a quarterback change following the Delhomme's most recent outing.
However, later news in the week revealed the Delhomme now has a broken finger which may sideline him regardless of Fox's decision. Regardless of who is behind center, most would have to believe that the Panthers should be the superior team on the field this weekend when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town.
The Buccaneers have just 1 victory on the season, but did play the Falcons well last week falling 20-17. Rookie QB Josh Freeman has taken over the starting role over the past 4 weeks and the offensive efforts seem to be on the rise. The question is has the Buccaneers offense progressed enough to take down the struggling Panthers who still have one of the better rushing attacks in the NFL?
If Delhomme is to be sidelined this weekend, then QB Matt Moore will be the guy in waiting to take over. Moore definitely is inexperienced attempting only 12 passes over the last two years. The good news for Moore and the Panthers is the Buccaneers defensive front is anything but terrifying. Tampa Bay has just 23 sacks on the season and those same guys up front have allowed over 160 yards rushing per game. The Panthers have a premier running game that should exploit those weaknesses.
Running back DeAngelo Williams has already eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark this season with 7 scores and backup Jonathan Stewart will get plenty of touches as well. Stewart has put together 544 yards with 6 scores himself and these two tailbacks will be trouble for the Tampa Bay defensive front. However if the running game for some reason can not get the job done, it would be interesting to see how Moore does because there is a starting job that can be earned.
Tampa Bay as stated before has turned to rookie Josh Freeman at quarterback. It is safe to say Freeman is still learning completing just 55% with 7 scores and 5 picks. However, Freeman may be the best option for the future and the quicker he develops then the better for the Buccaneers offense. WR Kellen Winslow has caught 54 passes for 564 yards this season which is a good option for Freeman. Still, the safest way to attack for Tampa Bay will be through the running game.
Tailbacks Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward are both solid backs, but perhaps victim of bad circumstance in regards to the Buccaneers offensive line. Neither back has put up any impressive numbers this year. However, if they can establish some ball control and get good effort from the defense they can still have a chance. The key for the Tampa Bay defense will be to find a way to make Carolina force some more turnovers as they have all year. If that happens, the Panthers struggles could reach a higher boiling point.
Betting Trends - The Panthers have reached the under in 6 of the last 9 contests. The Panthers are just 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games while going on a streak of 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games at home. Tampa Bay is just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games, but does hold a 4-2 ATS mark in the last 6 games on the road. However, the Buccaneers have lost the last 5 games SU on the road during that stretch.
Jay's Pick - Tampa is on the rise and Carolina has issues. The Panthers probably win this game, but the Bucs get the money with the cover. Take Tampa Bay at +6.5 and get it soon because it is likely to drop because both sharps and the public alike are liking them.
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