Carolina Panthers

Panthers: Expert Picks for Monday Night Football

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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As the Carolina Panthers get ready to face off against divisional rival Tampa Bay on Monday night, let’s take a look at who the experts are picking to win…

The Carolina Panthers (1-3) are off to a disappointing start after reaching the Super Bowl just a season ago. On the other side of the field will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) and new head coach Dirk Koetter. The Bucs started off strong, handing the Atlanta Falcons their only defeat to date, but haven’t been able to accomplish any other victories this season.

Both teams are suffering injuries throughout their respective rosters but none will be more evident than the absence of Carolina quarterback Cam Newton. After sustaining a concussion last Sunday in Atlanta, Newton is still participating in the league’s concussion protocol and cannot return to action until cleared by both the team physician and an independent neurological consultant.

Experts from around the league weigh in every week and attempt to select winners from each of the scheduled games. With only one game left in Week Five, let’s visit with some of these experts and see what their projection is for the outcome tonight in Carolina.

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

SITE: NFL.com

EXPERT: Elliot Harrison

CREDENTIALS: Elliot Harrison has covered the NFL for 10 seasons and currently serves as an analyst for NFL Media. Before joining the media group in 2009, he wrote for FoxSports.com. He has appeared on NFL Network’s “NFL Total Access” and “NFL AM,” and contributes regularly to “Fantasy Live” and NFL Now.

PICK: Carolina Panthers, 27-23

ANALYSIS: Going conservative on this game, due to the uncertainty of Cam Newton. Trend-wise, this matchup doesn’t bode well for the road team. The Panthers have taken six straight games over the Buccaneers, with Derek Anderson starting (and winning) both contests versus Tampa Bay in 2014. Also worth noting is that Carolina won 14 straight games at home before falling to the Vikings two weeks ago. Jameis Winston must protect the football – the only guy in the NFL who makes turnovers like the Bucs quarterback these days is Ryan Fitzpatrick. That’s not a lovely comparison. Winston has chalked up 10 in four games. That said, Ron Rivera’s group has struggled in prime time during his coaching career – and Carolina’s actually 4-5 in its last nine games (including the playoffs) – so perhaps the home team lays another egg.

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (34) with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Bruce Carter (50) and cornerback Mike Jenkins (24) and defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (91) defend in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

SITE: CBSSports.com

EXPERT: Pete Prisco

CREDENTIALS: Pete Prisco has covered the NFL for three decades, including working as a beat reporter in Jacksonville for the Jaguars. He hosted his own radio show for seven years, and can be seen throughout the week on CBS Sports’ NFL shows.

PICK: Carolina Panthers, 31-14

ANALYSIS: The Panthers are a shocking 1-3 and have to get things turned around. They have an opponent that can make that work. The Panthers have to keep a watch on Cam Newton and his concussion. But the Bucs aren’t playing well. That shows up. Panthers roll.

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 31-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

SITE: ESPN.com

EXPERT: Mike Golic

CREDENTIALS: “Golic,” as he is referred to, joined ESPN in 1995 as an NFL studio analyst on ‘NFL2Night‘ and later on ‘NFL Live‘ and also worked as color commentator for the Arena Football League (1996-98, 2007-08) and ESPN/ABC college football games until the mid-nineties.

Golic is a nine-year NFL veteran, playing defensive tackle for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins. During his seven years in Philadelphia, he began his television career with a weekly segment on the ‘Randall Cunningham Show’. He received a Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Award for his feature ‘Golic’s Got It’.

PICK: Carolina Panthers

ANALYSIS: None.

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) gets tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Keith Tandy (37) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

SITE: Pro Football Talk – NBC Sports

EXPERT: Mike Florio

CREDENTIALS: Creator ProFootballTalk.com, Host Pro Football Talk Live and Football Night in America Contributor

PICK: Carolina Panthers, 30-20

ANALYSIS: Assuming Cam Newton gets cleared to play, this one should be easy. Without Newton, it’s still winnable for a team that desperately needs to win its second game of the year.

Dec 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) prepares to take the snap during the second half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Despite, backup quarterback Derek Anderson leading the Carolina Panthers tonight on Monday Night Football all experts have selected Carolina to win. Some picks were made prior to a designation on Newton’s status, but the consensus is that Tampa Bay is currently struggling too much for his absence to make a difference.

Both teams are desperately in need of a win as whoever comes away victorious will claim sole possession of second place in the NFC South. The Panthers face the New Orleans Saints next week in the Superdome and could regain some footing in the division with back-to-back victories. However, they must first win on Monday night.

All experts have selected Carolina, but it is up to the team to perform on the field. Fans have been hesitant to panic even after the 1-3 start, but a home loss in prime time even without Newton, would be devastating.