WEEK 17 THOUGHTS -- BEFORE & AFTER THE GAME

We are down to two weeks (two games..) left in the regular season. These next two games will tell a story. While the Panthers have not been a decisive team this year, they have shown up quite a bit better over the last eight weeks or so. The two remaining games are against Division opponents and WILL determine the possibility of a Panthers playoff appearance. 

This weeks game is against the TB Bucs. A win is necessary for the Panthers to gain a berth in the NFC Playoff picture. The week opened with the Panthers showing up as a 5.5 point underdog. As the days passed, the spread has slowly morphed closer together and currently the Panthers are only 3.0 to 3.5 point "dogs" depending on which betting line you believe.

It's hard to figure this game. Brady and the Bucs have not played well this year. And the Panthers have already beaten the Bucs in their first Division matchup.  The way the Panthers are playing "smash-mouth" football, it isn't difficult to believe in the possibility of another Panthers win. However, Brady is ALWAYS tough and seems to have a way of pulling games out, and winning from behind.  This game will be a tough-fought battle with the winner just "surviving" (probably..).