Buccaneers vs Panthers Prediction and Preview - NFL Week 18, 2026
Last updated: Dec 30, 2025, 4:11AM | Published: Dec 30, 2025, 1:51AM
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Carolina Panthers in NFL Week 18 action at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, commencing at 8:30am AEDT.
This article features Stats Insider's best betting tips for the Buccaneers vs Panthers game, as well as the latest betting odds and touchdown scorer tips.
Who Will Win?
Utilising advanced machine learning and data, Stats Insider has simulated the outcome of Sunday's Tampa Bay vs Carolina NFL match-up 10,000 times.
Our proven predictive analytics model gives the Buccaneers a 59% chance of beating the Panthers in Week 18 of the NFL season.
Buccaneers vs Panthers: Odds
The latest Bet365 betting odds in Australia for Sunday's NFL game at Raymond James Stadium are listed below:
- Head to Head: Buccaneers $1.67, Panthers $2.25
- Line: Buccaneers -2.5 ($1.91), Panthers +2.5 ($1.91)
- Total (Over/Under 44 Points): Over $1.91, Under $1.91
Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Looking at the latest head-to-head odds, Bet365 currently has the Buccaneers at $1.67 and the Panthers at $2.25.
The Buccaneers are listed as 2.5-point favourites against the Panthers, with odds of $1.91 available at Bet365.
For the underdog Panthers (+2.5) to cover the line, Bet365 offers odds of $1.91.
The over/under for total points scored is set at 44 with Bet365, which has odds of $1.91 for the over and $1.91 for the under.
According to Stats Insider's model, the Buccaneers (-2.5) are predicted to cover the line 51% of the time, while the 44-point over/under is expected to go over 52% of the time.
Buccaneers vs Panthers: Betting Tips
- Head to Head: Tampa Bay at $1.67 with Bet365
- Line: Buccaneers -2.5 at $1.91 with Bet365
- Total Points: Over 44 at $1.91 with Bet365
Today's Buccaneers vs Panthers betting tips are based on world-class simulations and wagering expertise to help you place better bets with your chosen online bookie.
Buccaneers vs Panthers: Prediction
Stats Insider's predicted final score for Buccaneers vs Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Week 18 is the Buccaneers winning 23-21.
This prediction is based on each team's average score from 10,000 game simulations.
Stats Insider provides full coverage of the Tampa Bay vs Carolina game in Week 18, including data-driven predictions and free betting tips.
18+. Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.Buccaneers vs Panthers: TD Scorer Tips
Who will score the first touchdown in Buccaneers vs Panthers? The latest data is in.
According to Stats Insider, Tampa Bay's Mike Evans is the most likely player to score the first TD in Buccaneers vs Panthers.
Evans has an 11.1% chance of scoring the first TD at Raymond James Stadium, while the Buccaneers WR has a 45.8% chance of registering an anytime touchdown.
Scroll down for our complete list of first touchdown scorer and anytime touchdown scorer probabilities.
First Touchdown Scorer Tips
Buccaneers First TD Tips
- Mike Evans: 11.1% probability
- Bucky Irving: 7.5% probability
- Chris Godwin: 6.2% probability
- Jalen McMillan: 5.8% probability
- Sean Tucker: 5.3% probability
Panthers First TD Tips
- Tetairoa McMillan: 9.5% probability
- Rico Dowdle: 7.0% probability
- Jalen Coker: 5.8% probability
- Xavier Legette: 4.0% probability
- Chuba Hubbard: 4.0% probability
Anytime Touchdown Scorer Tips
Buccaneers Anytime TD Tips
- Mike Evans: 45.8% probability
- Bucky Irving: 33.8% probability
- Chris Godwin: 28.9% probability
- Jalen McMillan: 27.4% probability
- Sean Tucker: 25.4% probability
Panthers Anytime TD Tips
- Tetairoa McMillan: 35.5% probability
- Rico Dowdle: 27.8% probability
- Jalen Coker: 23.4% probability
- Xavier Legette: 17.1% probability
- Chuba Hubbard: 17.0% probability
Buccaneers-Panthers Projected Player Stats
Of the starting quarterbacks, the Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield is projected for 231 passing yards, while the Panthers' Bryce Young is expected to throw for 210 yards.
Buccaneers Starting QB
- Baker Mayfield: 231 projected passing yards
Panthers Starting QB
- Bryce Young: 210 projected passing yards
Buccaneers Rushing Yards
- Bucky Irving: 64 projected yards
- Baker Mayfield: 20 projected yards
- Rachaad White: 17 projected yards
Panthers Rushing Yards
- Rico Dowdle: 55 projected yards
- Chuba Hubbard: 32 projected yards
- Bryce Young: 19 projected yards
Buccaneers Receiving Yards
- Mike Evans: 59 projected yards
- Chris Godwin: 41 projected yards
- Jalen McMillan: 37 projected yards
- Emeka Egbuka: 32 projected yards
- Cade Otton: 23 projected yards
Panthers Receiving Yards
- Tetairoa McMillan: 61 projected yards
- Jalen Coker: 40 projected yards
- Xavier Legette: 25 projected yards
- Ja'Tavion Sanders: 22 projected yards
- Tommy Tremble: 21 projected yards
Remember, our model updates frequently, so refresh this page for the latest betting analysis before the Tampa Bay vs Carolina match-up.
As always, see our Best Bets to get the best tips on every NFL game, plus predictions for a wide range of other sports.
Buccaneers vs Panthers: Week 18 Essential Details
The NFL Week 18 match-up between the Buccaneers and Panthers at Raymond James Stadium is scheduled to commence at 8:30am AEDT on Sunday.
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday 4 January 2026
- Time: 8:30am AEDT
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
All dates and times mentioned in this article are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), unless otherwise stated.
Conclusion
Our Tampa Bay vs Carolina predictions are based on 10,000 data-driven simulations of the game, all curated by our team of skilled data scientists and analysts. We use the latest in predictive analytics technology and machine learning to ensure our NFL tips are trustworthy and reliable, so that you can make informed decisions with confidence.
If you choose to use our predictions for betting purposes, it's important that you gamble responsibly and keep track of your money. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
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