Experts Going Against Panthers to Defeat Buccaneers in Week 7

The Carolina Panthers are 3-2 on the 2026 NFL season coming into Week 7 of the year.

Carolina has ridden a strong offensive attack to get to this point, with quarterback Bryce Young playing like an MVP candidate. Young has generated a lot of buzz this season due to his play, and it has allowed the Panthers to be much more dangerous on the field.

The signal-caller has thrown for 1,549 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions over the five games. But what has been most impressive this year has been Young's decision-making, with him taking care of the football more.

Young looks much more poised and calm in the pocket, taking what the defenses give him, rather than forcing the ball anywhere. This has allowed the Panthers to find more success and has the team thinking about a trip to the playoffs this season.

Tampa Bay is entering the game with a record of 1-5 on the season, but the team will have starting quarterback Baker Mayfield return for the contest. Mayfield has been out due to injury for the last few weeks, and the team has struggled to find its footing.

In a new edition of weekly game picks from Bleacher Report, analysts Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton, Brent Sobleski, Wes O'Donnell, and Ian Hanford all predicted the game. In these, only two of the seven went with the Panthers, with the other five showing faith in Tampa Bay to get the win.

Only Davenport and Sobleski went with Carolina in this game, even though the contest is being played at home. But it seems that the experts believe that the return of Mayfield could swing the tide for Tampa Bay.

Any divisional game tends to be a tight matchup, which could also push some to take the Buccaneers this week. But the Panthers are determined to not allow a letdown this week against Tampa Bay.

Carolina understands the importance of games like this, especially early in the year. But despite the Buccaneers record this season, they have played in close games, with the team falling short in the end.

If this trend were to continue, the Panthers would have to pull out a win against Tampa Bay late in the fourth quarter. Carolina has done well managing situations this season, and they will have another chance to prove that this week, in all likelihood.

The Panthers and Buccaneers are scheduled to kickoff at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.