MNF Week 14 Preview

At Carolina –2.5 Tampa Bay 39

Finally, a Monday Night matchup that actually features two 9-3 teams fighting for their playoff lives. While both teams are on track for the playoffs, only one can grab that all-important first round bye. In terms of the numbers the Panthers and Bucs are evenly matched, though Tampa bay blew out the Panthers 27-3 at home in October. As always, it comes down to line play. The Panthers need to control the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to open up the passing game. Last week Williams ran wild in Green Bay, but will have a much tougher nut to crack, although the Bucs are slightly susceptible to the run. On the other hand, Tampa Bay doesn’t care where they play or who lines up against them. They’ve beaten Carolina five straight times…if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Projected Final score: Tampa Bay 20, Carolina 17