Defense Analysis: NFL Week 17

Elite Plays

The Panthers no longer have a zero in the loss column, and that could be a good thing, as they now have to win to avoid being overtaken by the Cardinals for the top seed in the NFC. Carolina is one of just two double-digit point favorites and they're at home facing a below average offense. The Buccaneers rank 19th with 22.1 points per game, and they're fairly turnover prone with the ninth most (25) this year. The Panthers know a thing or two about forcing turnovers as the league leader in that category. They also crack the top five in sacks ranking third. The first time these teams met this year back in Week 4, Carolin allowed 411 total yards (the most they've allowed this year), but forced a remarkable five turnovers. Banking on a repeat of that turnover total is too ambitious, but they clearly posed some problems for rookie quarterback Jameis Winston and intercepted four of his passes. The Panthers aren't my favorite defense this week, but they're an elite option in their own right and should be slightly lower owned than my favorite defense.

Ownership Estimates:

FanDuel

Cash: 15-20%

GPP: 10-15%

DraftKings

Cash: 15-20%

GPP: 10-15%