The Panthers are sharpening their claws in anticipation of their game Sunday against the stumbling and bumbling Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Panthers opened as 10-point home chalk with the total set at 46.5 on the Sports Interaction NFL odds board.

Carolina is fresh off eliminating Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers from the playoffs by downing the Cheeseheads 31-24 on Sunday. The Panthers improved to 6-1 straight up and against the spread in their last seven games. Cam Newton and Co. are 10-4 SU and 9-5 ATS on the campaign with a 9-5 over/under mark. The over is a perfect 5-0 in their last five contests.

Tampa Bay lost 24-21 against the Falcons on Monday night but covered as a 7-point home underdog. The Bucs are 4-10 SU and 4-9-1 ATS for the season with an even 7-7 over/under record.

The Panthers beat the Bucs 17-3 in a Week 8 yawner that saw Tampa quarterback Jameis Winston toss two picks with no TD passes. Carolina is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games against the Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Winston put together his best game of the season in a losing effort against the Falcons. The third-year pro completed 27 of his 35 pass attempts for 299 yards and three TDs without an INT. The Bucs benched starting running back Doug Martin in the game because of a violation of team rules.

Tampa Bay played without a number of key contributors on the defensive side of the ball on Monday and then saw offensive starters O.J. Howard, DeSean Jackson and J.R. Sweezy leave Raymond James Stadium in walking boots.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina is dealing with plenty of matters off the field as majority owner Jerry Richardson announced he would sell his share in the team after reports surfaced of his part in sexual harassment of former employees.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers Prediction