If the 2013 season were any indication, the Carolina Panthers would be big favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the season opener, even on the road. The Panthers won 11 of their last 12 regular season games last season to make the playoffs, while the Buccaneers struggled beneath Greg Schiano's heavy fist and finished 4-12 after entering the year with high expectations.
NFL odds 2014, Panthers vs. Buccaneers: Experts take Tampa Bay with Cam Newton’s uncertainty
The Buccaneers opened the week as 3-point underdogs, and are now 3-point favorites thanks in large part to Cam Newton’s uncertain status. Internet experts agree.
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It’s a brand new season, however, and the Bucs made one of the splashiest coaching hires of the offseason by bringing in Lovie Smith. Stephen White wrote extensively for SB Nation about why Tampa Bay will surprise a lot of people this season. For the most part, his colleagues agree:
| Week 1 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | Matt Ufford | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter |
| Panthers at Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Panthers | Buccaneers | Buccaneers | Panthers | Buccaneers |
Of course, not everyone is buying into the Buccaneers this week. On paper, this appears to be one of the closest matchups on the Sunday slate. Both teams feature stout defensive fronts, and have potentially crippling flaws on offense-- specifically, cobbled together offensive lines.
The uncertain status of Cam Newton may be what has turned public opinion in favor of Tampa Bay. At press time, Newton is expected to be a game time decision due to a fractured rib.
At NFL.com, the five-man panel favors the Panthers, 3-2, but that battle may have been won as a fluke of a small sample size. ESPN’s mammoth panel likes the Buccaneers, 9-5.
At CBS Sports, Tampa Bay is the favorite, even against the spread. According to OddsShark.com, the Bucs are roughly 3-point favorites after opening the week as 3-point underdogs.
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