Buccaneers vs. Panthers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Game Time and More

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers meet in a matchup between NFC South teams headed in different directions. Neither is going to the playoffs, but the Panthers at least have their quarterback of the future in Cam Newton.

The Bucs thought they did last year, but Josh Freeman has regressed this year, as has the team.

When: Saturday, Dec 24 at 1:00pm EST

Where: Bank of America Field, Charlotte, N.C

Watch: FOX

Listen: Panthers: 1110 AM WBT, Buccaneers: WFUS 103.5, WDAE 620 AM

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line

The Bucs are still 3.5-point favorites over the Panthers according to betfirms.com. These odds are just begging to be challenged.

What's At Stake

Both teams are are fighting the internal battle of pride and draft position. With the playoffs long since set aside, both franchises could be better off with an improved draft position. Bucs head coach Raheem Morris may be coaching to save his job, assuming the decision hasn't already been made on his future.

Panthers Injury Report

Applewhite, Antwan	DE	Hamstring				Probable
Browning, Bryant	G	Wrist				Questionable
Butler, Darius	CB	Head				Out
Gamble, Chris	CB	Non-Injury				Probable
Godfrey, Charles	S	Shoulder				Questionable
Gross, Jordan	T	Ankle				Questionable
Kalil, Ryan	C	Shoulder				Probable
Munnerlyn, Captain	CB	Ankle				Questionable
Olsen, Greg	TE	Back				Probable
Wilson, Kion	LB	Calf				Probable

Bucs Injury Report:

Arrellious Benn WR Concussion Questionable

Aqib Talib        CB Hamstring  IR

Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em, Sleeper

Start

You certainly want to start Cam Newton in this game. The Bucs have struggled to slow anyone on defense all year. They have surrendered at least 23 points for 12 consecutive weeks. Newton should light up the Bucs defense, which is 26th in the NFL against the pass.

Sit

DeAngelo Williams

The Panthers don't run it a ton to begin with. Williams is only averaging 10 carries per game. The Panthers figure to attack the Bucs through the air even more than normal. This should be a slow game for Williams.

Sleeper

Kellen Winslow

The Bucs have struggled offensively as well, but the Panthers have struggled in pass coverage all year, especially from the linebackers. Winslow is still capable of big games. This might be a spot for him to pay off. It is the playoffs for fantasy, so you'll want him in a flex spot at best.

What They're Saying

Charlotte Observer Panthers' writer Joseph Person wrote this of the Panthers' new free-wheeling offense:

"

It's a different attitude this year around Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers have an innovative, top-five offense, a coach who's not afraid to let his offensive coordinator call trick plays and an enthusiasm stemming from a balanced attack in which everyone gets to touch the ball.

"

Even though the Panthers are losing, this shows you the excitement that Cam Newton has injected into this franchise and city.

For the Bucs, the official twitter page of the team tweeted this quote from an unnamed Bucs player:

"

"Coach says it's important for the team not to take a 'woe us me' attitude these last few weeks bc the lessons being learned now r important."

"

Raheem Morris has not lost his locker room, but it may not be enough to keep his job. The great thing is that Morris is very young (35 years old) and he will get another shot.

Panthers Player to Watch

Cam Newton

Newton looks to put a stamp on what should be a NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year season. The Bucs defense offers him a great opportunity to put up big numbers.

Buccaneers Player to Watch

Josh Freeman

Freeman needs to do something to regain the momentum he had last year. His performance this season is almost as much to blame for the team's losing ways as the grossly regressed defense.

Key Matchup

The Bucs pass defense against Cam Newton, Steve Smith and Greg Olsen will be the key to this game. If the Bucs can cover effectively, they may be able to take some pressure off of the offense. It isn't likely, as the Bucs will be without Aqib Talib.

On the Hot Seat

Without a doubt it's Raheem Morris. His fate may already be determined, but if not he'll probably need to run the table to escape being removed from his position.

Prediction

The Panthers will continue their recent roll offensively. The Buccaneers were destroyed at home by Carolina in their first meeting, 38-19. This matchup will be similar.

Panthers 30-16