The Panthers close their 2021 NFL season against the top team in the NFC South division. Week 18 brings together the Panthers and the Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium this Sunday. The visitors hope to end their six-game losing streak but are hard-pressed as they take on a tough Bucs squad. Meanwhile, the hosts try to close their regular-season campaign and stretch their win streak to three games following back-to-back road wins against the Panthers and the Jets, respectively.

Find a full preview of the Panthers vs. Buccaneers game below brought to you by the Nitrobetting team.

Panthers vs. Buccaneers Information

Fire the cannons ?#TDTuesday pic.twitter.com/xXh52PoqeB

— xz – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 4, 2022

• When: Sunday, January 9, 2022, 4:25 PM ET
• Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
• TV: CBS
• Radio: WBT 1110-AM (Panthers) / WXTB-FM 97.9 (Buccaneers)
• Live Stream: NFL Network, NFL League Pass
• NFL Odds: Panthers (+7.5) / Buccaneers (-7.5)

READ MORE: Chiefs vs. Broncos 2021 NFL Week 18 Odds, Preview & Pick

Why Bet on the Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers have to be at their very best to make the Buccaneers flinch at the very least. They are no threat on offense, averaging just under 300 yards (30th) and 17.9 points (29th) per game.

But in spite of their poor rushing and passing statistics, the Panthers have an answer to the Bucs on defense. The team has some of the best passing defense in the league right now. They hold opponents to just 183.9 opponent passing yards (second) per game. Additionally, since their competitors are slow on the rushing end, their 115.6 opponent rushing yards (20th) per game average might be enough.

Sam Darnold and Cam Newton might see significant playing minutes in this contest. This gives the second-choice quarterback time to get acquainted and pick up more pace for next season. The same goes for the second team, as coach Matt Rhule might implement more player rotations in their final game of the season. Left tackle Cameron Erving and left cornerback Stephon Gilmore are the only players that might not suit up on Sunday due to injury.

Why Bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

Denver was eliminated from playoff contention with Sunday’s 34-13 loss at the Chargers playing without receivers Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick and pass-rusher Bradley Chubb in protocols. Backup QB Drew Lock completed 18-of-25 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown. He hasn’t thrown an interception and has only been sacked once over his past two starts but the Broncos have combined for 26 points in those games.

Denver coach Vic Fangio said Lock is expected to start in Week 18. He added that Lock would have missed practice because of a shoulder issue if the team had held a practice on Monday. Lock left Week 17 after taking a hard hit to his throwing shoulder but returned after missing a few drives. Teddy Bridgewater remains in concussion protocols and will not play in Week 18. Fangio also expressed optimism for Lock’s future, saying, “I still think he can be an NFL quarterback.”

The Broncos will be without starting left guard Dalton Risner for the season finale, Fangio said. Risner left Sunday’s game after four snaps after suffering an elbow injury and was unable to return to the game. Denver also could see the return of many, if not all, of the 13 active-roster players who missed Sunday’s game on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. This may be Fangio’s last game as Broncos head coach.

In Week 13, the Broncos lost 22-9 in Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes had just 184 yards passing with a touchdown run and an interception but the KC defense dominated. Daniel Sorensen returned a Bridgewater interception 75 yards for a score with 9 1/2 minutes left to put the game away. The Broncos are 3-20 in December when playing at Kansas City dating to the days of the AFL.

Panthers vs. Buccaneers Betting Trends

• Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in the last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
• Chiefs are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 games overall.
• The total went over in 4 of Kansas City’s last 5 games.
• Broncos are 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Broncos are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 games overall.
• The total went under in 8 of Denver’s last 10 games.

Panthers vs. Buccaneers Expert Betting Predictions

NFL Pick: Chiefs 26, Broncos 17

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.