On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will host their biggest game in three years—as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sail in to fight for the NFC South. Both teams are tied for the division lead at 7-7, and this Week 16 contest will be the first of two potentially massive matchups between them.

But which matchups within this initial clash will help determine who comes out on top?

Here are our picks . . .

Panthers’ passing offense vs. Buccaneers’ secondary

2025 has been a rough season for Tampa Bay’s secondary—with struggles across the board. They’ve allowed the third-most passing yards per game (246.9), the fifth-most passing yards per play (6.8) and the fourth-most yards after the catch over expected (+314).

Plus, the unit will be going in without one of their starting cornerbacks in Zyon McCollum—who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. His absence will likely ramp up the reps for a pair of rookies in Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison.

Carolina’s offense, which has been surgical at times through the air under quarterback Bryce Young, has to take advantage. Look for second-year wideout Jalen Coker, who has been heating up of late, to continue to serve as a worthy No. 2 punch alongside rookie standout Tetairoa McMillan.

Still, the Panthers must be careful throwing against veteran corner Jamel Dean and All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., quality playmakers on the backend of the Bucs defense.

Panthers CBs vs. Buccaneers WRs

The receiver vs. cornerback battle will also be intriguing to watch on the opposite end.

Tampa comes in with a potent four-headed attack of Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin and a returning Jalen McMillan. Most, or maybe all Panthers fans probably winced at the mere mention of Evans—who, in his last six games against Carolina, averaged 117.0 receiving yards per contest with seven touchdowns.

Along with corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, the Panthers will need a strong performance from nickel defender Chau Smith-Wade. The Bucs may look match the 5-foot-11 Smith-Wade with the big 6-foot-1 Godwin in the slot.

Panthers DC Ejiro Evero vs. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield

Mayfield began the campaign as an early MVP favorite. But that ship sunk a while ago—as he, through his last seven games, has averaged just 173.0 passing yards while throwing nine touchdowns to five interceptions.

The structure of the offense has been in dismay for much of the season, and it will take some time to rebuild. With Mayfield’s struggles and aggressive play style, Evero and the Panthers’ suddenly stingy defense may have an edge.

Evero comes from the Vic Fangio tree, which means he will muddy the picture with exotic coverage looks and blitzes both pre- and post-snap. He may not have adequate talent at linebacker and edge rusher to be successful or consistent with the approach, but the unit has given quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford, Michael Penix and Brock Purdy issues this season.

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