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Buccaneers vs Panthers NFL

Buccaneers vs Panthers Predictions, Odds & Tips: Bucs win thriller in Carolina

Our NFL expert offers his Buccaneers vs Panthers Predictions, Odds & Tips for an 6PM kickoff this evening for NFL Week 16 (21/12/2025).

In a crucial game in the NFC South race, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7, -3) head on the road to take on the Carolina Panthers (7-7). With both teams struggling to defend against the pass, we should see several scores today. The total is set at O/U 45.5 points. 

Buccaneers vs Panthers Betting Predictions

Odds courtesy of bet365, correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Evans Exceptional in Return 

It’s not exactly a coincidence that Baker Mayfield posted his most passing yards (279) since Week 5 upon wide receiver Mike Evans’ return to action. Evans was out since Week 7 with a fractured collarbone and had only appeared in four games before Week 15. 

Evans caught six passes for 132 yards in the disappointing 29-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and left the field in disgust after the Buccaneers blew their lead. The Bucs seem fired up for this game against their divisional rivals, and Evans could be in line for another big game. 

Mayfield tried to find Evans 12 times and projects to be his go-to receiver now that he’s fully healthy. Carolina’s pass defense is nothing to write home about, and they can’t necessarily focus on Evans because Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan are other weapons. 

Bet on Evans to have another big game and pick up 70+ receiving yards at 27/20 odds. 

  • Buccaneers vs Panthers Prediction 1: Mike Evans 70+ Receiving Yards @ 27/20 with bet365

Return of Bucs Receivers and Leaky Defense Implies Over 

With the return of Evans and McMillan, Tampa Bay had no problems putting points on the board in Week 15. The Bucs put up 28 points, which is their best offensive output since Week 11, and the offense looked a lot more fluid. 

Expect the Bucs to be able to score against a Panthers defense that is inconsistent, at best. Carolina has given up 20+ points in four straight games and ranks in the middle of the pack in opponent points per play this season. 

Meanwhile, the Bucs can’t seem to get stops on defense. In the previous five games, Tampa has allowed 29.6 points per game. Also, both meetings of last season’s meetings finished with 49 points or more. Take over 45.5 points tonight. 

Bucs Finally Back on Track 

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles was fed up and fired up after the Bucs blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead to lose 29-28 to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. Bowles went on an expletive-laden rant and wasn’t shy about calling out his players. 

Regardless of whether he’s lost the locker room or not, the Bucs have been playing way below their level for weeks. They’re 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS in the last six games. Now that things have reached a boiling point, and the division hangs in the balance, they should get it together. 

They have no excuses now, with all of their receivers back and OT Tristan Wirfs healthy. Tampa is on a five-game winning streak against the Panthers and should get back on track with a win in Charlotte today. 

Panthers QB Bryce Young has also completed just 54.5 percent of his passes in four career games against the Bucs. If Tampa can limit untimely errors today, Bucs -3 should hit. 

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