Panthers vs. Buccaneers First Touchdown Scorer Predictions | NFC South TD Picks Today

A colossal clash that will go a long way toward determining who wins the NFC South takes place today between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:30 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium, and I'm diving in with my Panthers vs. Buccaneers first touchdown scorer predictions.

Let's lock in on Tetairoa McMillan, Mike Evans, and Bryce Young for some of my NFL Week 18 predictions ahead of a game in which the Buccaneers enter as the -3 betting odds favorite.

🏈 First touchdown scorer predictions: Panthers vs. Buccaneers

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Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers (+950) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Running backs are always alluring in this market, despite their comparably shorter odds. But the Panthers' Rico Dowdle isn't appealing here since the Bucs rank seventh against the run. 

Instead, target a weak Tampa pass defense that sits 26th while allowing 236.4 yards per game, and more recently, 255.3 yards per contest while the team has dropped seven of its last eight matchups. Tetairoa McMillan has snagged seven touchdown grabs, including five in his previous six outings.

Liam Fox looks at McMillan's standing in the Offensive Rookie of the Year odds race.

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Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers (+850) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mike Evans could be playing in his final game. The franchise's leading career scorer, who also sits 21st on the all-time touchdown list, is well-positioned to do what he's done 109 times before.

Evans has missed significant time due to injury while appearing in only seven games this season. And yet he's still scored three times, including in his last two outings. He remains a target vacuum, too, while getting nine-plus looks in four contests. The veteran is tied for the team lead in targets inside the 10-yard line (five), even with his missed time.

Esten McLaren backs Evans with his anytime touchdown scorer predictions, and Brenden Schaeffer backs running back Bucky Irving to score for the hosts with his Panthers vs. Buccaneers player props.

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers (+2500) ⭐⭐

Young possesses plenty of athletic ability and running instincts, and the desperation tied to this game could easily lead to more eagerness to take risks.

He scored six rushing touchdowns last season, and Young has been running more lately. The signal-caller has recorded four straight games with 20-plus rushing yards, topping out at 49 in Week 13, and before that he didn't exceed 10 yards across nine games. 

Even better, he now gets to face a Buccaneers defense tied for the second-most touchdowns allowed to quarterbacks (six), and the unit has given up the sixth-most yards.

Dustin Saracini also has Young to score with his Panthers vs. Buccaneers predictions.

📊 First touchdown scorer odds: Panthers vs. Buccaneers

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📺 How to watch Panthers vs. Buccaneers: NFL Week 18

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 3
• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)
• TV: ABC/ESPN

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