Bodog Beat

Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers look for win No. 5. (AP Images)

If you are a supporter of the Carolina Panthers, you are hoping the old saying "defense wins championships" is true. The Panthers (4-1, 3-1-1 ATS) lead the NFC South division thanks to one of the league's best defenses, which has held opponents to five touchdowns the last four games and 268 yards per game overall (fourth-best in the NFL).

Next to get a taste will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who head into the matchup as 1.5-point favorites.

Why are the Buccaneers favored considering they are not even sure who their QB will be this week? Maybe it has to do with the fact that their defense held Denver's potent offense to 333 yards and 16 points last week.

Whatever the reason, the Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Tampa Bay, and this one smells like a Carolina win.

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