How to win, how to lose: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers week 7 game preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the first-place Carolina Panthers in an NFC South Week 7 divisional matchup on Sunday. Tampa Bay enters the contest with a 1-5 record following an overtime loss in Week 6, while Carolina sits at 3-2. Although quarterback Baker Mayfield returned to throwing in practice this week, writer Will Walsh evaluates the game assuming backup Jalon Daniels remains under center for head coach Todd Bowles' squad.

Walsh views Tampa Bay as substantial underdogs, citing struggles in one-score games and inconsistent defensive execution in key moments. Conversely, Carolina's offense has thrived behind quarterback Bryce Young, who has produced 11 touchdown passes and two interceptions through five games. The preview highlights that Tampa Bay's pass rush must pressure Young, who has been sacked 12 times this season, to disrupt the Panthers' offense.