The Carolina Panthers own a 22-13 series advantage over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning both games against their NFC South divisional rival one year ago. The only club within the division that Carolina has a winning record against, the Buccaneers represent a dangerous opponent on Sunday.
Carolina is heavily favored riding a wave of momentum that began two weeks ago with a franchise best, fourth-quarter comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Panthers then handled the league’s No. 1 defense inside Bank of America Stadium and now have a divisional opponent coming into their stadium.
Tampa Bay is enduring a quarterback controversy of sorts after Jameis Winston was injured to start the season and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Buccaneers for two impressive wins.