Panthers vs. Buccaneers Weather Report | Latest Forecast & Betting Impact Today (Jan. 3)

The latest Panthers vs. Buccaneers weather report calls for rain showers and thunderstorms throughout this Week 18 clash to decide the NFC South winner today at 4:30 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). We're breaking down what to expect at Raymond James Stadium - including the expected temperature, wind, and precipitation - and how it affects our NFL Week 18 predictions.

⛈️ Panthers vs. Buccaneers weather forecast: NFL Week 18

Latest weather forecast via NFL Weather for Week 18.

💰 Panthers vs. Buccaneers weather: Betting impact today

The NFC South title is on the line tonight, and it's only fitting that the Panthers will have to survive Saturday afternoon thunderstorms to end the Buccaneers' four-year reign atop the division.

The latest forecast calls for a 30% chance of precipitation after kickoff with a slight chance of scattered thunderstorms along with 10 mph winds that could see gusts reach up to 20 mph. Combined with projected 84% humidity by the fourth quarter, and it could be an awfully wet and miserable setting in Tampa.

Here's how I'd consider the weather when betting Panthers vs. Buccaneers today:

Panthers vs. Buccaneers weather impact

• Ride the top running backs. When the ball gets slippery amid wet and humid conditions, the best thing to do is hand it off to your trusted backs and let them do the rest. That should favor Carolina, which features two star rushers in Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, though Bucky Irving could be due for a bounce-back performance after a quiet 19-yard effort last week.
• Expect QBs to get creative. If the weather disrupts the field conditions in any way, that could create a dangerous situation for the defense with one misstep turning into an explosive play for the offense. That would create the perfect environment for Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young to scramble outside the pocket and force defenders into uncomfortable spots before zipping it into tight windows on the move.
• Which team can generate turnovers? Wet weather always increases the risk of fumbles or bobbled catches that turn into interceptions, but it also tests the mental fortitude of quarterbacks and their top weapons to play in an uncomfortable environment like what we could see by the fourth quarter today. That's the perfect recipe for defenses to strike and swing the outcome with a key takeaway.

📺 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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