The Carolina Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Saturday at 4:30 PM EST on ESPN, with the NFC South title on the line. The Panthers enter the game with an 8-8 record while the Buccaneers sit at 7-9.
The Buccaneers are favored by 2.5 points according to BetMGM. Against the spread this season, the Panthers have fared better at 9-7, compared to the Buccaneers” 5-11 record. Historically, the Panthers lead the series 25-24, having won their last matchup 23-20 on December 21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Last week, the Panthers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 27-10, while the Buccaneers fell to the Miami Dolphins 20-17. Carolina”s offense ranks 27th overall, 11th in rushing, and 26th in passing, while their scoring ranks 27th. Conversely, the Buccaneers sit at 22nd overall on offense, with their rushing attack 21st and passing 20th, scoring 17th overall. On defense, the Panthers are 15th overall while the Buccaneers rank 20th.
Quarterback Bryce Young had a strong performance against the Buccaneers two weeks ago, completing 21 of 32 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. However, he struggled last week against Seattle, managing only 54 passing yards, with his longest completion being just 8 yards. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans may be playing his final game for the Buccaneers or in the NFL, as he has been a key contributor since returning from injury, totaling 14 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
The Panthers” receiving corps, including Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker, will face a depleted Buccaneers secondary. McMillan had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown in their previous meeting. With starting cornerbacks Jamel Dean sidelined and Zyon McCollum on injured reserve, the Buccaneers will be challenged defensively.
For the Panthers, the return of guard Robert Hunt, the highest-paid offensive lineman in franchise history, remains uncertain. Hunt has been recovering from a torn biceps but has recently participated fully in practice. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will be without Dean and linebacker Anthony Nelson due to injuries, while defensive tackle Calijah Kancey hopes to return after a long absence.
Historically, the Buccaneers had a five-game winning streak against the Panthers, but Carolina ended that run recently. Baker Mayfield, who has been effective against Carolina in his career, has struggled recently, throwing eight interceptions in his last seven games. Despite these issues, Mayfield has achieved 11 games of 300 or more passing yards since joining Tampa Bay, ranking him among the league leaders.
In a season of close contests, the Buccaneers have participated in nine games decided by four points or fewer, the most in franchise history, winning five of those. The Panthers, on the other hand, have made history with 25 fourth down conversions this season, surpassing their previous franchise record.
As the Panthers and Buccaneers prepare for this crucial matchup, the stakes are high, with playoff implications looming for both teams as they vie for the NFC South crown.
