'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABgAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQYQAAMAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAFBBIRITFBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABhEAAgEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQRcSNRsf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AxaaPccGAjTXaGjzsh4yMKsjGoDKt2AV2Ue/hyKmj5RVTQSVyB2VKt0B/QvlPmMZPRzy9g7UGj3t2XPMw0ceV/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a mixed 2022 NFL season, but they are surprisingly likely to make the playoffs. The Buccaneers appear to have tried everything to get out of the playoff picture, but due to the NFC South division's weakness, they are in a strong position to make the postseason.
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will enter their New Year's Day game against the Carolina Panthers knowing their fate is in their own hands. If they win the game, they will clinch the division and face the Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard round.
Last season's Tampa Bay Buccaneers could beat their chest and be fairly certain of winning, but not these Bucs. It is also worth noting that the Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 21-3 in their previous meeting earlier in the 2022 season.
Times have changed, and this game has the potential to make or break the Buccaneers' already shaky season. So expect the home team to go all out in this New Year's Day matchup!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers Game Info
NFL Game Day: Sunday, January 1, 2023
NFL Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
Matchday Stadium and Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
TV Channel: FOX
Live Stream: You can stream the game for free on FuboTV
Live Radio: SiriusXM (Listen Now!)
Buccaneers vs. Panthers Betting Info
Moneyline: Buccaneers (-161), Panthers (+136)
Spread Favorite: Buccaneers (-3)
Total: 39.5 points
Players to watch
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tristan Wirfs
Before the start of the 2022 NFL season, there were a lot of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players that the bettors could have picked to make the Pro Bowl. We have such illustrious names as Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, and possibly Ryan Succop. Only a few punters could have mentioned the ever-efficient Tristan Wirfs, even though Wirfs made last year's Pro Bowl.
However, when the NFL announced the Pro Bowl roster a few days ago, only one Tampa Bay Buccaneers player was chosen, and that player is Tristan Wirfs. The Buccaneers' third-year pro has been incredible this season, providing Tom Brady with much-needed pocket protection.
Wirfs may be unable to play against the Panthers after he re-aggravated his ankle injury in the Bucs' 19-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals in week 16. The Bucs faithful will be hoping he plays, as he has been an important part of their team since being drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers
Brian Burns
Brian Burns has a name that can easily strike fear into the hearts of offensive players, and that's what the Carolina Panthers Defensive Back has done all season long. The Florida State University alum is a big reason the Panthers have remained competitive all season. He is the Panthers' defensive backbone, and he has a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 to show for it.
Panthers fans will hope that Burns brings his A-game to the New Year's Day game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as his team's hopes depend on it. Burns has a stellar stat line of 60 tackles (32 solo and 28 assisted), 12.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 15 games this season.
