NFL Week 18 Prop Bets: Over/Under Predictions Heat Up for SirVocea Dennis and Jalen Coker in Panthers-Buccaneers Clash
TAMPA, Fla. — As the NFL regular season hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, all eyes are on the high-stakes Week 18 showdown between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. With both teams vying for playoff positioning—the Buccaneers at 7-9 and Panthers at 8-8—betting markets are buzzing, particularly around player prop over/under lines for linebacker SirVocea Dennis of Tampa Bay and wide receiver Jalen Coker of Carolina.
Buccaneers Favored in Must-Watch NFC South Battle
The Buccaneers enter as 3-point favorites on the spread, with a moneyline of -146 compared to the Panthers’ +124, reflecting Tampa Bay’s 57% win probability against Carolina’s 43%.[2] The over/under total for the game hovers around recent trends, with Tampa Bay posting an 8-8 over/under record and Carolina at 7-9.[2] Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM ET, making this one of the marquee games where playoff implications hang in the balance.
Recent form adds intrigue: The Buccaneers are 1-4 in their last five, while the Panthers sit at 2-3.[2] Offensively, Tampa Bay leans on running back Rico Dowdle’s ground attack (1,066 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 6 TDs), countering Carolina’s Sean Tucker (324 yards, 4.0 YPC, 7 TDs).[2] This matchup could dictate the pace, influencing prop outcomes for key skill players.
SirVocea Dennis Tackle Prop: Primed for Over?
Tampa Bay’s SirVocea Dennis, the No. 1 linebacker inside, has been a tackling machine in recent action. In Week 17, Dennis posted seven tackles (four solo, one for loss) during the Buccaneers’ narrow 20-17 loss to the Dolphins.[1] That performance underscores his consistency, especially against a Panthers offense that relies on the run led by Tucker.
Bettors are eyeing Dennis’s over/under tackle line, likely in the 6.5-7.5 range based on his steady production. With Carolina in must-win mode, expect a grind-it-out affair where Tampa Bay’s defense, anchored by Dennis, racks up stops. Action Network analysts highlight his Week 17 output as a green light for the over, particularly if the game stays close and Tampa Bay needs to stop the run repeatedly.[1][6]
“Dennis recorded seven tackles (four solo), including one for a loss, during the Buccaneers’ 20-17 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.”[1]
Prop markets from sites like Gambly list Dennis props alongside teammates, signaling sharp interest in his defensive impact.[3] In a game projected for defensive battles, Dennis could eclipse his line if Tampa Bay forces Carolina into predictable down-and-distance situations.
Jalen Coker Receiving Yards: Value on the Over?
For Carolina’s Jalen Coker, the No. 2 wideout, Week 17 was quiet—two catches for 16 yards on both targets in a 27-10 loss to the Seahawks.[1] Despite the modest stat line, Coker’s prop bets are lighting up sportsbooks. FanDuel lists his receiving yards over/under at 32.5 (-114 both sides) and receptions at 3.5 (-114).[8]
EV Analytics notes the receiving yards prop opened at 29.5 (-115 over) but sharpened to 29.5 (-130 over/+100 under), with money flowing to the over.[7] Coker’s role expands in big spots; teammate Xavier Legette struggled recently, potentially funneling more targets his way against Tampa Bay’s secondary.[1]
Covers.com experts back volume plays in this matchup, and with Carolina needing a win, quarterback play could elevate Coker’s ceiling. If the Panthers trail and air it out, Coker’s over at 29.5-32.5 yards offers sharp value, especially after public money pushed the line.[7][8]
Broader Betting Context and Key Stats
| Metric | Buccaneers (TB) | Panthers (CAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 7-9 | 8-8 |
| Last 5 Record | 1-4 | 2-3 |
| Win Probability | 57% | 43% |
| Moneyline | -146 | +124 |
| Spread | -3 | +3 |
[Data sourced from pregame odds and records][2]
Other notables include Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans salvaging a TD on three catches (31 yards) in Week 17,[1] and Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan not looking fully healthy.[1] Rico Dowdle’s anytime TD prop draws strong backing from Covers, given his 66% backfield share and $250K incentive.[4]
Expert Picks and Final Thoughts
- SirVocea Dennis Tackles Over: Lean over 6.5-7.5; consistent producer in losses.[1]
- Jalen Coker Receiving Yards Over 29.5-32.5: Public money and matchup favor upside.[7][8]
- Game Script: Expect run-heavy play, boosting defensive props like Dennis while testing Carolina’s pass catchers.[2][4]
Action Network’s prop predictions position these overs as prime Week 18 value amid shifting lines.[6] With sportsbooks like FanDuel and Gambly updating in real-time, bettors should monitor for movement as kickoff nears.[3][8]
This Panthers-Buccaneers tilt isn’t just a season finale—it’s a prop bet paradise where recent trends meet do-or-die stakes. Stay tuned for live updates as Tampa Bay hosts Carolina in prime time.
Odds subject to change. Gamble responsibly. 21+.