Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
The Panthers will be salivating at this matchup for a quick bounce-back after losing to the Rams in Week 1. The fact that Carolina gets to stay home for this game on a short turnaround -- and go up against a team in Tampa Bay that was not only overrated coming into a season but has a quarterback in Jameis Winston who should never be trusted -- gives the Panthers all the edge they need. I would not be surprised to see this at -7 or maybe even -7.5 by the time kickoff hits. Yes, Thursday night games can be rough ... but this one will be rough for the Bucs, not the Panthers, who should roll with superior talent and coaching.
Jameis Winston is usually a disaster on the road and last week he threw three horrible picks. Carolina just has to learn how to finish. Luke Kuechly is healthy and Christian McCaffrey will have another big game. Lay the points.
The Panthers were the better team in Week 1 against the Rams, and they get another home game in Week 2. My simulations make the Panthers -9 favorites against Winston and the Bucs. Look for another huge day from Christian McCaffrey as Tampa will have no answer for him. Lay it.
I hate to overreact to what I saw last, but the Bucs' performance at home last week was as bad as I’ve seen them during the Jameis Winston era and most of it was his fault with three interceptions. He obviously doesn't have a grasp on the new system. The Bucs have traditionally been a thorn in the side of Cam Newton’s Panthers, but I’m going with the Panthers to get the cover on Thursday night.
The Panthers played well enough to beat the Rams in Week 1, save for two fumbles, one which took potential points off the board for Carolina and another that gifted their opponent a touchdown. The Bucs, on the other hand, played as poorly as the final box score indicates -- not on defense, which actually had its moments, but surprisingly on offense, where Jameis Winston looked horrible. Fixing their issues will be tough with a quick turnaround for a road Thursday matchup, so I'll bank on the Panthers winning with ease.
Is the Bucs' defense significantly improved? They allowed just 4.4 yards per play to the 49ers, but the Panthers bring a more potent, polished attack. We know Jameis Winston (61 interceptions in 57 career games) is liable to gift-wrap some opportunities for the angry Panthers. Back Carolina before this line hits 7.