Bucs(+3) VS Panthers

[Sharkl11]

Reasons I think the Panthers will take this one and improve to (2-3)...

1) I believe they are now on the rebound with a little momentum on their side.
The biggest difference and main reason why they won last game against the Redskins is the returns of DT H. Thomas, S C. Harris, and LB N. Diggs from injuries. They will continue to booster the defense to respectability.

2) Bucs Josh Johnson is making his only 3rd start of his young career, he has 3 touch downs and 4 interceptions in 4 games this season. Bad Ratio.

3) Julius Peppers finally stepped up his game last week w/ 2 sacks and 3 QB hurries.
Will continue to do so.

4) Bucs secondary sucks. The Panthers have the offensive personnel to put up good numbers against this team. J. Stewart is back and will help D. Williams w/ the running game.

5) Panthers can salvage their season if they hope to make it to the playoffs. The first 3 teams they were up against Falcons/Cowboys/Eagles...after beating the Redskins, their next two games are bucs and bills. They know that having a 3-3 record seems very very very possible and puts them back into contention for playoff spot.

For only -3 I would gladly put $ on the Panthers at this great spot and if some miracle the Bucs win...I am done with the Panthers this year and they can kiss their season hopes for playoffs goodbye.

Good Luck and God Speed

[Sports Cruncher]

I took the Panthers for a little bit earlier in the week. I'm less certain now that center Faine will be back for the Bucs, who had their best offensive game by far in week #1 when he was able to play most of the game before getting injured. The Bucs should have good success running the ball versus the soft Carolina interior defense now. If the Bucs can't keep it close, though, it won't matter much, as the Panther defense is tough to pass on when trying to make up a deficit.

[Bread]

I live in Tampa Bay and perfect in predicting them against the line so far this year.

This week, they cover.

[TheCommish]

I'm on Carolina. Should win by 10.

Cheers

[BarkingToad]

As much as I hated to see it, Carolina -3 came up as my pick of the week, beating out baltimore +3. While both rank towards the bottom on offense and defense, Carolina has stopped the pass, so Tampa would have to be 1 dimensional in trying to run, where they rank 28th. As Shark mentioned, getting Diggs back will be a big help. Carolina still has good offensive players to turn things around despite their poor showings.

Even though you don't want to put too much emphasis on common opponents, since it's a game of matchups, Carolina did better against Washington and Dallas than Tampa. Although I had Carolina as POW against Dallas, where Steve Smith did nothing, I'll hold my nose and give carolina another shot as if they can't beat lowly Tampa, their season would be finished. The road garbage smells better than the home garbage here.

[Sharkl11]

Hold that ****ing lead Panthers.

[Sharkl11]

It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win.

[BarkingToad]

It was pretty much like we expected. It was also more of a go against play of Tampa, too. In honor of the 3rd anniversary quote, they were who we thought they were. Congrats Shark