ULTRA EARLY (9:30 AM EST!) 3-GM DESTRUCTION REPORT > > + 80% ALL NFL L/SUNDAY!
(NFL) Carolina vs. Tampa Bay,
Total: 47.50 | -110.00 Over
Result: Loss
The set-up: A trip across the pond is going to lead to a lower-scoring under in this one. This is the second meeting of the season between the divisional foes and in the first one the Bucs won a low-scoring 20-14 affair. Tampa comes in off a loss to New Orleans by a score of 31-24, while the Panthers have won three in a row since losing to the Bucs. The Panthers have been getting exceptional play from QB Kyle Allen, but I think the rookie will be more effected by anyone on this trip to London. Look for Carolina to once again lean heavily on RB Christian McCaffrey, who in fact leads the league right now with 587 rushing yards and 31 catches for 279 yards. Also note that the Panthers have been great defensively since the loss to Tampa, posting 16 sackes over their last three games.
The pick: Tampa's pass defense has been terrible, which was completely evident in last week's loss to the Saints and Teddy Bridgewater. The Bucs though do rank second against the run, a unit which is clearly going to be tested early and often today by McCaffrey. The Panthers only average 264 yards per game through the air, so Tampa's porous secondary catches a break today. When you add up all of the above factors, the savvy call in this one is on the under in my opinion.
8* play on the under Panthers/Bucs.