Buccaneers vs Panthers Prediction and Preview - NFL Week 18, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take on the Carolina Panthers in NFL Week 18 action at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, beginning at 8:30am AEDT.

This article features Stats Insider's prediction and tips for the Buccaneers vs Panthers game, as well as the latest betting odds and touchdown scorer tips.

Who Will Win?

Utilising advanced computer power 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 currently gives the Buccaneers a 61% chance of winning against the Panthers in Week 18 of the NFL season.

Buccaneers vs Panthers: Odds

The current Bet365 betting odds in Australia for Sunday's NFL game at Raymond James Stadium are listed here:

• Head to Head: Buccaneers $1.61, Panthers $2.40
• Line: Buccaneers -3 ($1.91), Panthers +3 ($1.91)
• Total (Over/Under 42.5 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 $1.61 and the Panthers at $2.40.

The Buccaneers are listed as 3-point favourites against the Panthers, with odds of $1.91 available at Bet365.

For the underdog Panthers (+3) to cover the line, Bet365 offers odds of $1.91.

The over/under for total points scored is set at 42.5 with Bet365, which has odds of $1.91 for the over and $1.91 for the under.

According to Stats Insider's model, the bookmakers have got it right and both the Buccaneers and the Panthers have a 50% chance of covering the line.

The 42.5-point over/under is expected to is also considered an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.

Buccaneers vs Panthers: Best Bets

• Head to Head: Tampa Bay at $1.61 with Bet365
• Line: Panthers +3 at $1.91 with Bet365
• Total Points: Under 42.5 at $1.91 with Bet365

Today's Buccaneers vs Panthers best bets are based on world-class modelling and wagering intelligence to help you place more informed 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 22-19.

This prediction is based on each team's average score following 10,000 game simulations.

Stats Insider provides full betting coverage of the Tampa Bay vs Carolina game in Week 18, including data-driven predictions and live win probabilitiestips.

Get expert analysis from the US with Dimers' in-depth Buccaneers vs Panthers prediction.

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 a 9.8% chance of getting in for six first at Raymond James Stadium, while the Buccaneers WR has a 38.7% chance of scoring an anytime touchdown.

Scroll down for the full list of first touchdown scorer and anytime touchdown scorer probabilities.

First Touchdown Scorer Tips

Buccaneers First TD Tips

• Mike Evans: 9.8% probability
• Bucky Irving: 8.8% probability
• Sean Tucker: 5.9% probability
• Chris Godwin: 5.6% probability
• Jalen McMillan: 5.3% probability

Panthers First TD Tips

• Rico Dowdle: 8.7% probability
• Tetairoa McMillan: 8.4% probability
• Jalen Coker: 4.9% probability
• Chuba Hubbard: 4.7% probability
• Xavier Legette: 3.5% probability

Anytime Touchdown Scorer Tips

Buccaneers Anytime TD Tips

• Mike Evans: 38.7% probability
• Bucky Irving: 35.5% probability
• Sean Tucker: 25.5% probability
• Chris Godwin: 24.4% probability
• Jalen McMillan: 23.1% probability

Panthers Anytime TD Tips

• Rico Dowdle: 36.8% probability
• Tetairoa McMillan: 35.8% probability
• Jalen Coker: 22.9% probability
• Chuba Hubbard: 22.1% probability
• Xavier Legette: 16.9% probability

Buccaneers-Panthers Projected Player Stats

Of the starting quarterbacks, the Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield is projected for 220 passing yards. The Panthers' Bryce Young is expected to throw for 207 yards.

Buccaneers Starting QB

• Baker Mayfield: 220 projected passing yards

Panthers Starting QB

• Bryce Young: 207 projected passing yards

Buccaneers Rushing Yards

• Bucky Irving: 65 projected yards
• Baker Mayfield: 22 projected yards
• Rachaad White: 16 projected yards

Panthers Rushing Yards

• Rico Dowdle: 55 projected yards
• Chuba Hubbard: 31 projected yards
• Bryce Young: 20 projected yards

Buccaneers Receiving Yards

• Mike Evans: 60 projected yards
• Chris Godwin: 41 projected yards
• Jalen McMillan: 36 projected yards
• Emeka Egbuka: 33 projected yards
• Cade Otton: 23 projected yards

Panthers Receiving Yards

• Tetairoa McMillan: 65 projected yards
• Jalen Coker: 41 projected yards
• Tommy Tremble: 23 projected yards
• Xavier Legette: 22 projected yards
• Rico Dowdle: 18 projected yards

Remember, our model updates regularly, so refresh this article for the latest betting tips before the Tampa Bay vs Carolina match-up.

As always, see our Best Bets for 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, carefully curated by our team of expert data scientists and analysts. We use cutting-edge 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 NFL predictions for betting purposes, it's vital to 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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