NFC South-Leading Panthers Host Buccaneers October 25

Carolina enters Sunday’s NFC South matchup as a three-point favorite, backed by a 3-2 record and a high-powered offense, while Tampa Bay is 1-5 and has struggled to score and protect the ball. Most analysts and betting assessments favor a close Panthers win, though a few see value in Tampa Bay if Baker Mayfield returns effectively from a thumb injury. Carolina’s Bryce Young has been productive, but Tampa Bay’s top-ranked run defense and stronger overall defensive numbers could make the matchup tighter than the teams’ records suggest. The Buccaneers will also be without receiver Emeka Egbuka, while their chances may depend on Mayfield finding rhythm, the defense containing Chuba Hubbard and the offense controlling the clock with Bucky Irving.