Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Free NFL prediction and picks - December 21, 2025

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Free NFL prediction and picks – December 21, 2025

Match context Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Football League - Wikipedia

Finally, a match that actually matters. Locked together atop the NFC South, the Panthers and the Buccaneers meet for the first time in three weeks with a playoff spot very much on the line. Tampa Bay then heads to Miami, which makes this trip even more crucial. A win here could straight up decide the division champion.

The Bucs come off a frustrating loss, but the offense showed encouraging signs. Carolina, meanwhile, just took a second recent loss to New Orleans and keeps getting exposed whenever the game is played through the air.

Keys to the matchup Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The big question for Tampa is Baker Mayfield. Bothered by his shoulder for weeks, he’s swung between mediocre and fairly solid. His last game, despite the loss, showed a more mobile QB who’s reading defenses better — great news against a Panthers defense that’s porous.

Carolina gives up 7.4 yards per pass, has one of the worst sack rates in the league and struggles to generate any pressure. Offensively, their plan’s painfully simple: hand it to Rico Dowdle and try to chew clock. Problem is, Tampa Bay still has a stout run defense and a secondary disciplined enough to avoid the big mistakes.

Bouton PenseBet

Free Pick Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Result: Moneyline Tampa Bay Buccaneers (winner including overtime)

In a match this tight, the edge goes to the team that can attack the opponent’s weaknesses. Tampa Bay has the weapons to pick apart the Panthers’ secondary, while Carolina lacks the variety to answer. With the stakes and experience, the Buccaneers should make the difference.

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