- Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Broadcast: FOX
- Point Spread: Panthers (+3)
- Total Points: 45.5
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This Sunday, the Bank of America Stadium will host an exciting showdown as the Carolina Panthers (7-7) take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7). According to sportsbook odds, the Buccaneers are favored by 3 points. The total points line is at 45.5.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering this game with a 7-7 record for the season. In their previous matchup, they suffered a close defeat against the Atlanta Falcons, with a final score of 29-28. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 19 of 34 passes for 277 yards and threw for 2 touchdowns, ending the game with a 90 quarterback rating and 1 interception. Wide receiver Mike Evans made a significant impact, achieving 132 yards on 6 catches, averaging an impressive 22.0 yards per reception. Bucky Irving led the ground game with 16 carries for 60 yards (3.8 yards per carry). Overall, the Buccaneers executed 56 plays for a total of 338 yards, running the ball 22 times to amass 88 yards at an average of 4.0 yards per attempt. Defensively, the Buccaneers conceded 111 rushing yards on 21 attempts, allowing an average of 5.3 yards per carry. They allowed 30 completions on 44 attempts, yielding 365 passing yards with a completion percentage of 68.2%.
This season, the Buccaneers have accumulated 4,433 total yards. They have achieved 139 first downs and faced 76 penalties totaling 591 yards. On the offensive side, they have scored 22 touchdowns through the air and 12 on the ground, with a turnover count of 11 (7 interceptions and 4 fumbles). With an average of 113.2 rushing yards per game, they are currently ranked 21st in the league. In terms of points scored, Tampa Bay averages 23.4 points per game.
On the defensive front, the Buccaneers rank 24th, allowing an average of 25.3 points per game. They concede around 4.3 yards per rushing attempt and 101.4 rushing yards per game. In terms of passing defense, they have surrendered 3,456 yards this season, ranked 30th in the league. They allow 246.9 passing yards per game with a completion percentage against of 66.8%. Overall, they give up 348.2 yards per game, placing them 25th in the NFL. The Buccaneers have allowed 24 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns, totaling 1,419 rushing yards yielded throughout the season.
The Panthers enter this matchup with a record of 7-7 for the season. Their last outing ended in a narrow loss to the New Orleans Saints, finishing 20-17. Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 163 yards on 15 of 24 attempts, securing 1 touchdown with a quarterback rating of 96.4 and no interceptions. Jalen Coker was the standout receiver, making 4 catches for 60 yards (15.0 yards per reception). Rico Dowdle led the ground game, rushing 16 times for 49 yards (3.1 yards per carry). Carolina completed the game with a total of 281 yards over 55 plays (5.1 yards per play), averaging 4.1 yards per carry with 127 rushing yards on 31 attempts. Defensively, the Panthers allowed 81 yards on 25 rushing attempts (3.2 yards per rush) and a passing defense that conceded a 72.7% completion rate, letting up 256 yards on 24 of 33 passing.
When it comes to scoring, the Panthers are positioned 28th in the NFL, averaging 18.9 points per game. This season, they have accrued a total of 2,568 passing yards, averaging 183.4 passing yards per game, ranking 25th among teams. Their rushing average stands at 125.6 yards per game, totaling 1,758 yards for the season. The overall offensive performance places them at 24th in the league with an average of 309.0 total yards per game. Carolina has also committed 82 penalties leading to 666 total yards, ranking 26th overall in the league. They have tallied 10 interceptions and lost 8 fumbles, while recording 145 first downs as a unit.
Defensively, the Panthers have allowed 17 passing touchdowns and contributed to an average of 215.5 passing yards per game, ranking them 17th in the NFL. They have yielded 1,624 rushing yards (116.0 yards per game), enclosing 17 rushing touchdowns during the campaign. This year, the defense has secured 17 takeaways (5 forced fumbles and 12 interceptions), conceding a total of 317 points over the season. With 823 plays, the Panthers defense is appearing competitive, currently ranked 7th in professional football and yielding 22.6 points per game, positioning them at 14th in the league.
Who will cover the spread in the Buccaneers-Panthers matchup?
Selection: Take the Buccaneers -3
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