The undefeated Bucs and the lowly Panthers hook up this Sunday for a battle of NFC South cellar. Since the last time these teams met on 12.8.08, both have fallen from grace. The Bucs had their asses handed to them on that MNF game. The Carolina Panthers controlled the trenches on both sides of the ball, but the power running game and how they ran the ball right over Kiffen’s defense is what I remember most. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart combined for 301 rushing yards on 34 attempts and scored 4 TD’s. It was the start of the current losing streak and the end of Jon Gruden and many others.

The Bet

Broken Baller’s Record vs Bucs spread: 4 -1

This this week the Bucs are 3 underdogs to the Panthers. I’m surprised at how bad the Panthers are playing this season, but they are still a much better team than the Bucs.

Take the Panthers -3. Here’s why.

The Prediction

The Bucs are doing some things better and they are getting a key player back in Jeff Faine, but that defense is still the same dog with fleas. The bottom line is the Bucs aren’t getting the pressure on the opposing QB and the ripple effect it’s causing on the defense is killing the Bucs. The Bucs know it too, it’s why they went out and signed defensive lineman Michael Bennett. It’s not that Barber and Talib are bad corners, it’s the fact that opposing QB’s have 5 seconds to throw the ball and in football time that’s eternity.

If the Bucs can run the ball better with center Jeff Faine back in the line up and Josh Johnson can minimize the interceptions then the Bucs will keep it close, but I think the Panther’s running game and big play receiver Steve Smith are too much for the Bucs defense.

The Bucs bring the 26th ranked offense into the game vs the Panthers 15th ranked defense, but the Panthers have the 27th ranked offense vs the Bucs 28th ranked defense.

Final Score:  Panthers 24 vs Bucs 14

The Fantasy

Bucs

With the Jeff Faine back at center for the Bucs the running game may pick up this week. My concern is how effective Faine will be, since he’s not 100%. If you have Carnell Williams, he may put up some modest numbers and score a TD this week

TE Kellen Winslow will probably be a favorite option for Johnson and dude has been making some great catches lately, so I’d expect the same from Winslow this week too.

Outside of those 2 players, there isn’t much value on the Bucs roster.

Panthers

The Bucs defense is in shambles and the Panther’s power game should be able to dominate the Bucs again. DeAngelo Williams is solid start.

Jake Delhomme should have ample time to find Steve Smith or Muhsin Muhammad. If you need a QB, you might want to look at Delhomme for week 6.

The Carolina defense should have some value this week against against the young inexperienced Josh Johnson. Look for a 2 or more interceptions and some sacks from Peppers.