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Panthers vs. Buccaneers prediction: Why Tampa Bay is favored to win in NFL Week 18 [2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Mac Douglass, Senior Editor
Get Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers predictions for NFL Saturday.
NFL Week 18 action continues on Saturday at 4:30 PM ET as the Carolina Panthers lock horns with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
Based on the latest simulations, Dimers' advanced NFL model predicts the Buccaneers as the most likely winner of the Panthers vs. Buccaneers game.
This article offers further insights into this week's matchup, including projected touchdown scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Panthers vs. Bucs prediction: Who will win and cover?
Since our Panthers-Buccaneers predictions earlier in the week, we have simulated the result of Saturday's NFL matchup between the Panthers and Buccaneers 10,000 times as part of our NFL predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Buccaneers a 61% chance of beating the Panthers in Week 18 of the NFL season. Our predicted final score has the Buccaneers winning 22-19.
According to our model, the bookmakers have got it right, and the Panthers and Buccaneers each have a 50% chance of covering the spread, while the 42.5-point over/under also has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
To see win probabilities for every matchup this week, check out our expert NFL Week 18 straight up picks.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers odds
We have researched the best NFL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Panthers | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +3 (-114) | -3 (-105) |
| Moneyline | +138 | -155 |
| Total | o42.5 (-115) | u42.5 (-105) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Buccaneers -3 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Buccaneers | -155 |
| Total | Under 42.5 | -105 |
According to our NFL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Buccaneers to win.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers TD scorers
Who will score a touchdown in Panthers vs. Buccaneers?
According to our list of touchdown scorer predictions for today, Mike Evans is most likely to score an anytime TD in Panthers vs. Buccaneers.
Our projections give Evans a 38.6% chance of scoring a TD at Raymond James Stadium, while the wide receiver is a 9.8% chance of scoring the first touchdown the game.
Anytime touchdown scorer predictions
Carolina Panthers
| Player | Anytime TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Rico Dowdle (RB) | 37.1% |
| Tetairoa McMillan (WR) | 35.8% |
| Jalen Coker (WR) | 23.0% |
| Chuba Hubbard (RB) | 22.2% |
| Xavier Legette (WR) | 16.9% |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Player | Anytime TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Mike Evans (WR) | 38.6% |
| Bucky Irving (RB) | 35.8% |
| Sean Tucker (RB) | 25.5% |
| Chris Godwin (WR) | 24.5% |
| Jalen McMillan (WR) | 23.0% |
First touchdown scorer predictions
Carolina Panthers
| Player | First TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Rico Dowdle (RB) | 8.7% |
| Tetairoa McMillan (WR) | 8.3% |
| Jalen Coker (WR) | 4.9% |
| Chuba Hubbard (RB) | 4.7% |
| Xavier Legette (WR) | 3.5% |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Player | First TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Mike Evans (WR) | 9.8% |
| Bucky Irving (RB) | 8.9% |
| Sean Tucker (RB) | 5.9% |
| Chris Godwin (WR) | 5.6% |
| Jalen McMillan (WR) | 5.2% |
Panthers vs Buccaneers player props
Discover our predictions for the players likely to lead in passing, rushing and receiving yards for both the Panthers and Buccaneers. Head to our NFL player projections page now to access a full list of player prop projections for every offensive player in this matchup and all other Week 18 games.
Quarterbacks
Of the starting quarterbacks, the Panthers' Bryce Young is projected for 208 passing yards. The Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield is expected to throw for 224 yards.
| Player | Proj. Pass Yards |
|---|---|
| Bryce Young (CAR) | 208 |
| Baker Mayfield (TB) | 224 |
Panthers rushing
| Player | Proj. Rush Yards |
|---|---|
| Rico Dowdle | 55 |
| Chuba Hubbard | 32 |
| Bryce Young | 20 |
Buccaneers rushing
| Player | Proj. Rush Yards |
|---|---|
| Bucky Irving | 65 |
| Baker Mayfield | 22 |
| Rachaad White | 16 |
Panthers receiving
| Player | Proj. Rec. Yards |
|---|---|
| Tetairoa McMillan | 65 |
| Jalen Coker | 42 |
| Xavier Legette | 24 |
| Tommy Tremble | 23 |
| Rico Dowdle | 18 |
Buccaneers receiving
| Player | Proj. Rec. Yards |
|---|---|
| Mike Evans | 60 |
| Chris Godwin | 42 |
| Jalen McMillan | 36 |
| Emeka Egbuka | 32 |
| Cade Otton | 23 |
Panthers vs. Bucs game-day updates and essential details
The NFL Week 18 action between the Buccaneers and Panthers at Raymond James Stadium is scheduled to commence at 4:30 PM ET.
- Who: Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM ET/1:30PM PT
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
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Conclusion
We predict the Buccaneers, with a 61% win probability, will likely beat the Panthers in Week 18 of the NFL season.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Panthers vs. Buccaneers insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Mac Douglass specializes in NFL previews for the NFC South and NFC East, MLB best bets, Formula 1 race previews, and professional tennis insights. Combining predictive simulations and data-driven sports analysis, Mac provides in-depth content to elevate the betting experience for sports fans.
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