C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the stakes of the game in the context of the Panthers season. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion. 

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers  

Bucs +3 (40 O/U)

Carolina is off to a hot start, but few outside of the Carolinas are believers yet.  Playing three teams with losing record, the Panthers have done what they have needed to do--find a way to win.  This week is no different.  Going to Raymond James Field to take on a division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers have a big game ahead of them. Missing defensive stalwarts Luke Kuechly and Charles Johnson, Mike Evans and Jameis Winson won’t look to roll over.  Carolina’s offense has also been a one Cam show to this point.  Cam will need to carry this team to an important victory as the Panthers head into the bye week to prepare for a brutal four game stretch against Seattle, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Green Bay.  Entering that stretch 4-0 gives them an opportunity to pull out a couple of big wins on the national stage and likely catch the eye of the national media. 

Here’s a look at what’s On the Line for the Carolina Panthers.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Panthers -3 (Taking the Under) 

This is a grind it out game to me, where the Panthers control the clock, run the ball, and find a way to win. Over the past two years, Carolina has been learning “how to win.” Last year’s 8-game losing streak would have buried most teams, but the Panthers clawed to the top of the trash heap to win the division. Carolina’s demonstrated the winning instinct this season, and I expect them to press down on the division jugular knowing they will be in some street fights over the next four weeks. 

17-10 Panthers

Mel Mayock’s Bet: Panthers:  -3 (Taking the over)

Two things come to mind for me:  One our Offense is coming alive so I think we will put up some points.  And two, the Bucs always play us close.  So unless it is a belly-washer from the hurricane that wasn’t, I see this being a little high scoring and Panther fans will be begging for Luke to come back soon.  I see the final being something like Panthers 31, Bucs 27. 

31-27 Panthers

Freak’n Puerto Rican’s Bet: Panthers (Taking the Under)

Well this is a bit of a throwback. I recall this as one of our original seasonal posts and I like the fact that we are bringing it back. The line is 3 points, and there are three things the Panthers will need to focus on during this week vs Tampa Bay. Offensive Line and their run blocking, pressuring the quarterback, and punt coverage. These three areas have been a problem for the Carolina so far this season. If we improve in these areas and continue playing as in the others, will be 4-0 going into our bye week….Then the real fun begins….Week 5….At Seattle….against the Seahawks….And the 12th man...Forget them man, this is our year anyway… Keep Pounding

Panthers 23-17

The Commish’s Bet: Panthers -3 (Taking the Over)

Pretty insulting for a 3-0 team to be favored only by 3 against a team like Tampa Bay. Cam Newton is playing lights-out football in the unique way Cam does, whether or not he’s “old enough to get calls.” I don’t think Tampa Bay is going to sneak up on the Panthers at home especially in a division game. Jameis Winston will really get a taste of what a great defense can do to a young QB. Panthers should win this by double-digits, but have a way of making the easy things hard, but look to see if newly-acquired veteran Jared Allen can make some noise at his natural 4-3 DE spot. Linebacker? Stupid idea. No wonder daaaaa Bearssss are rebuilding in the middle of the season!

 Panthers 24-17

Grant Hughes’ Bet: Panthers -3 (Taking the Under)

This feels like a trap game for the Panthers, and the thought of losing to Tampa Bay puts a sick feeling in my stomach. The good news is that Ron Rivera usually has his teams pumped up for division games, and that we play a rookie quarterback in Jameis Winston. A revived Jared Allen against a rookie left tackle should be a fun and interesting matchup to watch; Josh Norman vs Mike Evans should be a good one as well. Panthers pick up their second straight win vs an NFC South opponent, and head into the bye 4-0.

Panthers 24-17