The Carolina Panthers (4-7) are hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-10) and will be without their starting quarterback Jake Delhomme (finger).  This may very well be a blessing in disguise for the Panthers, as Delhomme has been awful this season.  Matt Moore will be getting the start at quarterback, and he has a much better arm than Delhomme.  Moore hasn’t started a game in two years though, and has not had a very good career so far in the NFL.  Still, Panthers’ receivers are excited to play with Moore as he can throw the ball deep very well.  Moore will probably limited though, so Jonathon Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will need to have strong games.  Both backs are banged up though, and Williams (ankle) may not play.  The Bucs give up over 160 rushing yards per game though, so I don’t think it will matter too much who is carrying the ball.

The Panthers defense should not have too many problems with the Josh Freeman led offense.  Freeman, who is a rookie, has had his ups and downs this year, mostly downs.  The Panthers have a great pass defense, so they should be able to force the youngster into some turnovers.  They don’t stop the run very well though, so they need to be ready for Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward to get a lot of carries for the Bucs.  This will probably be an ugly game, but the Panthers have much better defense so they should win pretty easily.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Carolina Panthers 21, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10