The Panthers are just 1-4 on the road, including losses in Atlanta and Detroit. Like those teams, the Bucs are 4-7, but they've scored 26 or more in all but two of their 11 games. The Panthers covered in Carolina against them by scoring 42 points, but I don't see that big an offensive explosion for them on the road, where the Panthers have failed to score more than 24 points this year despite some juicy matchups. I understand why the Bucs can't be favored in this matchup, but situationally, that might make more sense than being three-point 'dogs.

The Panthers are giving more than a field despite a prolonged slump -- three straight-up losses in a row. Carolina is too talented to remain on this path. A two-TD win in the first meeting this season is more reflective of the teams’ difference. QB Cam Newton and RB Christian McCaffrey should help the offense churn out plenty of points. The Bucs’ O will be hamstrung by the absence of WR Desean Jackson, which will enable the Panthers’ secondary to focus on the magnificent WR Mike Evans.

It's hard to trust a road favorite on a three-game losing streak that's allowed 34 points per loss in that span. Maybe the Panthers bounce back, but the Bucs offense is potent enough to stay within this number.