Tampa Bay (-2.5) - Carolina Last choice logically from the NFL tomorrow's tournament, in Tampa Bay vs. Carolina. A match for the NFC south between two opponents who had opposite marches last year.
Karolina made an excellent season last year, but it will be quite difficult to repeat something similar this year. Newton operated in the off season and was virtually not prepared. Good or bad we have seen before good qb surgery is not on the same level. Aside from the Newton themes, it has almost changed the entire Panthers attack line this year with several youngsters taking their position, so coherence and quality will be lacking for a while. The one that remained almost identical is their strong weapon defense, but only with defense will hardly be able to resume last year's achievements.
Tampa did not have a good season but changed things a lot for this year. Chicago's former good coach is now with the team having found a solid quarterback and returning from injury this year the good running back Martin. Several selections in the receivers this year, and their defensive line looks pretty crowded. In general, their moves are showing that they are in the right direction and logos will be quite competitive this season.
Last year's last two games were easily handled by Karolina, with 3 delivering last year to Tampa, both teams having been defeated.
Apart from the defense last year, Carolina owes a lot to Cam Newton's running and health. Even if I have not seen him this year, I am almost certain that he will not be the same, while all the changes around him will affect him. A wind of optimism is blowing in Tampa for something new and the team has enough talent to do good things. Maybe coach Lovie Smith manages to bring out their talent on the pitch this year, it remains to be seen. So the fact that the Bucs are given as a favorite today, even if light, does not surprise me. I will trust them today in a logical line against a "different" Carolina in the premiere. At -2.5 the line for the Bucs at Stoiximan @ 1.85.
