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Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers updated prediction featuring Rico Dowdle, Mike Evans [Week 18, 2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Mac Douglass, Senior Editor
Get new expert Panthers vs Buccaneers predictions for Saturday's game.
Dimers' latest NFL predictions are live for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers in Week 18, with our model giving the Buccaneers a 61% of winning.
As Saturday approaches, both teams have updated their injury reports. A few lineup decisions are still up in the air, and those could shape how each side approaches this NFC South matchup.
Since our early Buccaneers-Panthers predictions, we’ve updated the win probabilities, score projections, and TD odds for Rico Dowdle, Mike Evans, and others.
For the full simulation breakdown—including spreads, totals, touchdown probabilities, and the full list of player props—check out our Panthers vs. Buccaneers page.
What's changed? Carolina vs. Tampa Bay updated predictions
Our NFL predictions model has been re-run with the newest available data, creating a clearer picture of how this Panthers vs. Bucs matchup stacks up. Here are the updated forecasts:
- Straight Up Win Probabilities: Panthers 39%, Buccaneers 61%
- Predicted Final Score: Panthers 20-22 Buccaneers
- Spread: Panthers (+2.5) 44%, Buccaneers (-2.5) 56%
- Total Points (43.5): Over 50%, Under 50%
As of January 1, 2026, these Panthers-Buccaneers figures reflect changes since our early-week simulation.
Anytime touchdown scorer predictions
New NFL player projections for Week 18 highlight the top candidates to find the end zone in Panthers-Bucs on Saturday:
Carolina Panthers
- Rico Dowdle: 36.9% probability
- Tetairoa McMillan: 35.8% probability
- Jalen Coker: 24.1% probability
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Mike Evans: 37.2% probability
- Bucky Irving: 35.1% probability
- Sean Tucker: 26.3% probability
Panthers vs. Bucs latest odds
The best current odds from the top sportsbooks in the US:
- Spread: Panthers +2.5 (-102), Buccaneers -2.5 (-118)
- Moneyline: Panthers +124, Buccaneers -142
- Total: Over/Under 43.5 (-110/-105)
Odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change—track live updates via our NFL odds page.
Panthers vs. Bucs Week 18 details
The NFL Week 18 matchup between the Buccaneers and Panthers at Raymond James Stadium is scheduled for January 3, 2026.
- 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. Dimers.com will provide full game coverage closer to kickoff, so stay tuned for updates.
Enhanced by AI and automation, this article delivers quick, accurate insights on the Panthers vs. Buccaneers matchup, with human oversight maintaining high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on 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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Stay up-to-date with the latest NFL betting news and data-led parlay picks all season long. Plus, our Super Bowl odds for top predictions and the best available odds on the Super Bowl, AFC, NFC and each division.
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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